NBA Playoffs : First Round
The NBA Playoffs are finally here. On Saturday, the NBA's 16 best teams begin their quest to claim the elusive Larry O'Brien Trophy. Realistically, how many teams have a legitimate shot at hoisting the trophy? I would say four: Golden State, San Antonio, Houston, and Cleveland.....in that order. Here are my picks for the first round:
Eastern Conference:
(1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Chicago Bulls: An upset in the NBA Playoffs? C'mon, really? I am not saying it is going to happen, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did. Most teams have a next gear or another level that they that they can elevate their game to once the playoffs come. The Celtics are not one of those teams. They cannot get by in the regular season without playing tenacious defense and valuing each and every shot. In other words, the Celtics have a very low ceiling. I am still picking them to win this series, but with Jimmy Butler, D-Wade, and Rondo, the Bulls certainly have the experience and the pedigree to pull-off the upset. Celtics in 6.
(4) Washington Wizards vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks: John Wall and Bradley Beal, as a 1-2 punch, will be too much for the Hawk backcourt to handle. As long as Marcin Gortat can keep Dwight Howard off of the glass and Otto Porter Jr. can limit Paul Millsap - the Hawk's heart and soul - I like the Wizards chances to advance. Wizards in 6.
(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks: The Raptors are built for the postseason. They have the ability to score consistently in the half-court, they have some dudes on the defensive end, and they certainly have the experience. The latter cannot be said for Giannis and company. While the Bucks are a nice story, and anyone following the NBA should have bought their stock a long time ago, this, simply, is just not a good matchup for them. Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan will make quick work of Milwaukee. Raptors in 5.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (7) Indiana Pacers: Can LeBron turn the switch? Is Cleveland even any good? I have stopped doubting this man and the teams he is on long ago. The Cavaliers will be fine. Paul George is a baaaaad man (Stephen A. Smith voice), so I pick the Pacers to be swept, just out of respect, but this will be a short series. Cavaliers in 5.
Western Conference:
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Portland Trailblazers: The same logic for Paul George applies to Damian Lillard. He's cold. That will be enough to win a game against the mighty Warriors, but not the series. For the Warriors, this series is all about finding a groove with KD back from his knee-injury. Warriors in 5.
(4) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (5) Utah Jazz: The Clipper's front court - DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin - vs. the Jazz front-court -Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors. Sign me up. For seven. This series will go the distance, no doubt. The teams are too evenly matched. Ultimately, the question will be: Will Chris Paul or Gordon Hayward take over this series? Hayward is a fine player, and one who will be swimming in money come July, but I'm siding with Chris Paul. Having home-court doesn't hurt either. Clippers in 7.
(3) Houston Rockets vs. (6) Oklahoma City Thunder: This is the matchup of the first round. James Harden vs. Russell Westbrook. Over/Under: 7 triple double in this series? I think I'd take the over. At the end of the day, 3's are greater than 2's and the Rockets have more dead-eye shooters than the Thunder do. Rockets in 6.
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Memphis Grizzlies: This is the antithesis of the Rockets/Thunder series. All games involving the Spurs and Grizzlies are grind 'em out slugfests. In this series, Memphis simply doesn't have an answer for Kawhi Leonard. Tony Allen? Too small. Vince Carter? Too old. JaMychal Green? Too slow. Chandler Parsons? Too injured. Yeah, the Grizzlies have upset the Spurs in years past in the postseason, but this year will be much different. Spurs in 4.
