NBA Playoffs - First Round Analysis/Predictions

Whatup NBA fans!

I decided to give my (not so expert, but more like fan) analysis for the upcoming NBA playoffs. Since there are too many series to dive into (and I honestly don’t follow a majority of the teams), I limited my predictions to one sentence. Do you agree? Let me know!

Go Bulls! #SeeRed

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Eastern Conference

1. Chicago vs. 8. Philadelphia

Even with all of the injuries sustained by the Bulls’ top players this season, suffocating team defense and complete selflessness on the offensive side will be too much for Philadelphia to overcome without a go-to superstar.

Chicago in 5

2. Miami vs. 7. New York

Since the playoffs are about superstars, New York will put up more of a fight than people expect with their big three (Anthony/Stoudemire/Chandler) having significant playoff experience.

Miami in 7

3. Indiana vs. 6. Orlando

Indiana’s blue collar work ethic and the absence of Orlando’s best player makes this the most lopsided series in the first round.

Indiana in 5

4. Boston vs. 5. Atlanta

Boston’s experience will overcome Atlanta’s youth and athleticism in a hard-fought series as the original Big 3 try to make one final championship run before the team dissolves in the off-season.

Boston in 6

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Western Conference

1. San Antonio vs. 8. Utah

San Antonio is too experienced and deep (not to mention well-rested) for Utah to even stand a chance.

San Antonio in 4

2. Oklahoma City vs. 7. Dallas

The defending champs will not go down without a fight as their depth and favorable match-ups will give OKC plenty to worry about in the first round.

Oklahoma City in 6

3. Los Angeles (Lakers) vs. 6. Denver

With or without Metta World Peace (Ron Artest), the Lakers have enough firepower in Kobe, Gasol, and Bynum to easily punch through a slightly above average Denver squad.

Los Angeles in 5

4. Memphis vs. 5. Los Angeles (Clippers)

Although it’s great to see the other LA team in the postseason again, Memphis is my sleeper team of the western conference as their pieces and chemistry are coming together at the right time after losing Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol for extended periods of the season.

Memphis in 5

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