2014 NBA Playoff Predictions: Round 1

It’s my favorite time of the year: The weather’s (kind of) warming up, school is almost over and the NBA playoffs are right around the corner. Here are my predictions for the first round:

Eastern Conference

Indiana Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks—The regular season series tied 2-2. But no matter how much they've been struggling, the Pacers are clearly the favored team here. From the way Indiana has been playing in the second half of the season—they lost six times in the last ten games—they’ll have to work for it. Pacers in five.

Miami Heat vs Charlotte Bobcats—The Heat were 4-0 against the Bobcats in the regular season. History will repeat itself in the playoffs. Heat in four.

Chicago Bulls vs Washington Wizards—The Bulls are in the best position they can be (they don’t have to play the Nets and, if they won, advance to the Heat), but the Wizards will put up a fight against Chicago. The series was split 2-2 during the regular season. With John Wall leading the Wizards Chicago will have to work for the win, but they’ll do it. Bulls in six.

Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets—This series is a toss-up. Brooklyn’s roster has a lot of playoff experience under its belt and a stacked team (Deron Williams, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez). They should win, but they have quite a few obstacles to overcome with Toronto. The series was tied 2-2 in the regular season, and with the exception of one game, all of them were close (within four points or less). Brooklyn certainly has the talent and experience, but Raptors Amir Johnson, rookie Mason Plumlee, Tyler Hansbrough and off the bench Patrick Patterson will likely keep the Nets on their toes since they’re athletic, energetic and young. Not to mention, Raptors’ point guard Kyle Lowry (17.9 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.7 RPG) has better numbers than Nets’ Williams (14.3 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.6 RPG). Another strike against Brooklyn is the coaching. This is Jason Kidd’s first playoff series as head coach so it’s unknown how he’ll execute player adjustments as a newcomer. It's really up in the air, but despite all of these things I’m leaning towards the Nets based solely on talent. Whoever wins, it will happen in six games.

Western Conference

San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks—San Antonio beat Dallas 4-0 in the regular series and I wish history would repeat itself in the playoffs, but I think Dallas will put up a fight and win one. Good ol’ Spurs in five.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies—I’d like to have a little faith in the Grizzlies and say they’ll take one just like they did in the regular season, but Kevin Durant’s incredible numbers will most likely result in OKC sweeping Memphis. Thunder in four.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors—This is the series I’m most excited about. In the regular season, the series was split 2-2 and that reflects how I feel about each team’s chances—it’s 50/50. Each team truly has an opportunity to move on to round two. Although commentators lean towards the Clippers (and I understand why), I’m rooting for the Warriors. LA has all sorts of talent going for them besides two of the 10 best players in the league—Chris Paul and Blake Griffin—playing for the team. DeAndre Jordan is on fire defensively speaking and let’s not forget LA has one of the most experienced coaches in the NBA, Doc Rivers. But the Warriors have Steph Curry. And Klay Thompson. When you put those two at the three-point line and they’re hot, the game is over. Andre Iguodala is consistent on defense and could potentially cause problems for Griffin and Jordan. The biggest issue for the Warriors is Andrew Bogut. He’s out with a fractured rib. Obviously adjustments will have to be made, and Harrison Barnes and David Lee will really have to step up to push Golden State to the next round. Golden State is definitely the younger, more energetic team, but LA’s experience and numbers will probably be the defining factors. I'm crossing my fingers for Warriors in seven, but it will probably be Clippers in six.

Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers—I can see this series going either way as well. Portland has won 21 more games since their previous season and is ranked 18^th (from 26^th) in defensive efficiency and 6^th (from 16^th) in offense. Their improvement is substantial, and between Damian Lillard, LeMarcus Aldridge and new starter Robin Lopez, the Trail Blazers are covered well on O and D. But Houston’s numbers are better. Besides winning three of the four games against the Trail Blazers in the regular season, the Rockets are big on offense between Dwight Howard’s average of 25.5 points per game and James Harden’s 30+. Houston is also ranked 12^th in defensive efficiency so Portland is going to have to open up the floor and create shots to win this series. It’s fun to root for the underdog, but since I like both teams, I’ll let the numbers win this one. Rockets in six.