2011 PLAYOFFS !

NBA PLAYOFFS START THIS WEEKEND!

So it is that time of the year again, where the top teams compete for the one thing that they had their mind on the entire season: the champion. Playoffs are finally here and the Finals will be in June. Here is a preview of the teams that will be featured in this year’s post season. 

I like the beginning of this clip showing players quotations and how they express themselves. However, I don’t really like the song because I feel it doesn’t bring enough intensity and excitement about the NBA.

Anyhow, here are my Round 1 predictions and why.

Eastern Conference:

Chicago [1] vs. Indiana [8] (Bulls won season series 3-1): I think Chicago will definitely beat the Pacers maybe even a sweep in Round 1. The Bulls has a better team overall and have good momentum coming into playoffs. Derrick Rose will lead the team pass the 8^th seed. Pacers are good enough just to make the playoffs but aren’t any better to even get out of Round 1. Therefore I say Bulls in 5 or less.

Miami [2] vs. Sixers [7] (Miami won season series 3-0): As much as I do not like Miami, I’m pretty sure they will defeat the Sixers to move onto Round 2. Although the Sixers have been playing extremely well coming off the All-Star break, its playoffs time, with their lack of experience and not being as talented as the Heat, they won’t move on to Round 2. Miami with their big 3: Wade, LeBron and Bosh, will for sure defeat the Sixers. I say Miami probably in 6 or less. However, I do hope Sixers can win, maybe miracles happen. But this is only because I personally do not like the Heats …

Boston [3] vs. New York [6] (Boston won season series 4-0): I hate the Celtics, I can’t emphasize that enough. However, this will be a great matchup to watch since New York did the blockbuster trade right before NBA trade deadline where they added superstar Carmelo Anthony and Billups along side with Stoudemire. But with bias put aside, I honestly think Boston will pull out the victory and move onto Round 2 because Boston overall is a great playoff team and the chemistry of the new Knicks might not be enough to defeat the Celtics. Although Stoudemire did say he plays better during playoffs, I think Celtics play at their best during Playoffs. Celtics are able to win even if it has to be taken to 7 games. Therefore, I say Boston probably in 6.

Orlando [4] vs. Atlanta [5] (Orlando won season series 3-1): The 4-5 matchups are always the most exciting to watch due to both teams ranking so closely. Atlanta has been a playoff team for the past couple seasons and their young talent are starting to bond and mature together as team. However, I still don’t think they got what it takes to get pass Dwight Howard and the rest of Orlando. But it will be a long series since both team have the talent there, I say Orlando in 6.

Western Conference:

San Antonio [1] vs. Memphis [8] (Season series tied 2-2): With Manu Ginobli skipping out Round 1 with an hyper extended injury, I still think the Spurs have more than enough weapons to beat out Memphis. Memphis was very fortunate this year to even make playoffs. Their team isn’t bad, however just not at the top, especially with their star Rudy Gay out for the season. Their only weapons are Randolph, Conley and Marc Gasol. But due to their inconsistency, they aren’t ready to head to Round 2 and unable to. I say Spurs in 5 or less.
 

LA Lakers [2] vs. New Orleans [7] (Lakers won season series 4-0): LA! My favorite team. Obviously I will be rooting for the Lakers. However, without any bias, it is quite obvious that the Lakers will definitely beat the Hornets easily. Lakers have superstar Kobe Bryant along with two statues aside him, Gasol and Bynum. The Hornets have talented PG Chris Paul, however, it is obvious that just alone Paul will get nowhere near defeating the defending champs. Hornets for the past couple seasons has been doing well enough just to get into the post season, however, they are far from what it takes to win a championship. And in this matchup, it is not a question whether they will win or not. Lakers in no more than 5.

Dallas [3] vs. Portland [6] (Season series tied 2-2): This will be a great matchup to watch! Although Portland is ranked lower than Dallas, I don’t think they are the underdogs though. Portland is filled with so much young talent, and the team already had a few season for everyone to bond together and get injuries out the way. I believe underdog Portland will be able to take on the Mavericks. Mavericks like every year is one of the top teams in the West, however, they don’t really go far before getting knocked out the playoffs. Even though Dirk Nowitzski is great along side with Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion, I think Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge can get pass them. Portland is a little inexperience when it comes to playoffs, but the talent is definitely there. I will be rooting for and believing that the underdogs Portland can take this series and win in 7.

Oklahoma City [4] vs. Denver [5] (Thunder won series 3-1): Denver finishing up in the #5 spot is surprise even after superstar Carmelo Anthony and PG Billups have left the team. However, the team seems to be playing more smooth and in sync without those 2. Although they do seem like a threat to OKC right now, I still believe with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will take down the Nuggets. Even Denver is playing extremely well with the new players, OKC not bad either with the addition of big man Perkins. From a bias point of view, I would like Denver to win because I feel OKC can be a threat to LA later on the playoffs, but realistically I say OKC in 6.

Lets the Playoffs begin! By the way, what are YOUR predictions?