NBA playoffs are here....
We have reached the post season in the condensed 2011-2012 NBA year with several question marks over a few teams' chances. Will the Mavs survive the first round after last years title run?? Can the Bull go a step further?? Can the Hea make the final step to a championship?? Is Boston too old?? Are the Lakers done??
There are more scenarios to ponder but I'll jump into my picks.
Eastern Conference:
Chicago (1) vs. Philadelphia (8)
The Sixers limp into this one after a brutal second half of the season. The Philly crew looked to keep the momentum after a fast start but struggled in the new year.
Overall ...the Bulls will be too strong in this one
Chicago 4-1
Boston (4) vs. Atlanta (5)
The Celtics are also banged up but they are the veterans of the playoffs. Kevin Garnett has had a resurgence since the All-Star break and though they will be tested, Boston should pull this one out
Boston 4-2
Indiana (3) vs. Orlando (6)
The Pacers have been going about their business relatively unnoticed and can be a difficult foe for any team in the post season. Orlando, without Dwight Howard, are not expected to go very far.
Indiana 4-2
Miami (2) vs. New York (7)
This one will bring back memories of past series' between these two clubs. The Knicks have been better since Mike Woodson took over but Miami has a point to prove and will get through this series.
Miami 4-2
Western Conference:
San Antonio (1) vs. Utah (8)
The Spurs have reinvented themselves with an injection of youth and have not lost a step...surprising many by taking the top spot in the conference.
Utah may win one game but the Spurs will advance.
San Antonio 4-0
Memphis (4) vs. LA Clippers (5)
Many are picking Memphis as the danger team in the Western Conference again and they could well be. The match up between these two will be the closest in the first round.
Chris Paul will be the determining factor win or lose.
LA Clippers 4-3
LA Lakers (3) vs. Denver Nuggets (6)
The Lakers are without playoff tough Metta World Peace for at least six games of the post season but may be able to get by Denver without the wily vet. They will need consistency from Bynum and Gasol and a balanced offence.
LA Lakers 4-2
Oklahoma City (2) vs. Dallas (7)
Will Dallas be able to turn it on in the playoffs?? Might be a tough ask in this series.
Oklahoma City 4-1
Overall....I will go out on a limb and pick Chicago to face Indiana in the Eastern Conference final and San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.
For the Championship......I will pick San Antonio over Chicago in six games!!
Looking back at my NBA preview from December....I had Orlando missing out on the post season in anticipation of a Dwight Howard trade but picked seven playoff teams correctly...Washington?? What was I thinking!!
In the West...Denver and Utah get in in place of my Portland and Golden State picks....
My preview can be read here
