The playoffs are all about matchups. In 2007, I was assigned to blog one of the eight first-round series for NBA.com and I just so happened to be tasked with the No. 1 vs. No. 8 series between the Dallas
The playoffs are all about matchups. In 2007, I was assigned to blog one of the eight first-round series for NBA.com and I just so happened to be tasked with the No. 1 vs. No. 8 series between the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors. Dallas had one of the best years in league history, going 67-15 behind Dirk Nowitzki’s MVP season, but that upstart Golden State squad had swept the Mavs during the regular season. They proved it was no fluke with a six-game series win that included a 25-point blowout in the clincher, becoming just the third eight seed to ever win a first-round series.
This year’s matchups are finalized and the NBA Playoffs get underway Saturday. I don’t expect either of the 1-seeds to be in much danger just yet, but every series has some interesting back stories.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 Indiana Pacers (56-26) vs. No. 8 Atlanta Hawks (38-44) — While the Pacers seemed a likely Finals candidate for much of the year, they have completely fallen apart since early March, going 10-13 to finish the season. One of those games was a 107-88 home loss to these Hawks in which Atlanta jumped out to a 55-23 halftime lead. While I think a few games will be tight, Indiana should still have enough to get to round two. Prediction: Pacers 4, Hawks 1
No. 2 Miami Heat (54-28) vs. No. 7 Charlotte Bobcats (43-39) — The Heat dominated the Bobcats in a 4-0 regular-season sweep including a 61-point performance from LeBron James. Like Indiana, Miami also struggled down the stretch and went just 11-14 in its final 25 games. The Bobcats are actually a very good team and Al Jefferson has had a tremendous season, but it’s hard to imagine Charlotte figuring out how to make this a competitive series. One win would be a big lift for the franchise. Prediction: Heat 4, Bobcats 1
No 3 Toronto Raptors (48-34) vs. No. 6 Brooklyn Nets (44-38) — Two of the league’s best in-season turnaround stories now face off in the postseason. The Raptors started 6-12 and traded away Rudy Gay, but they’re 42-22 since. The Nets were 10-21 on New Year’s Day, but are 34-17 since.
They each figured things out differently, as Toronto is the younger team and Brooklyn has lots of experience. (Translation: they’re old.) The two teams split their four regular-season contests, so it should be a tight series. Prediction: Raptors 4, Nets 3
No. 4 Chicago Bulls (48-34) vs. No. 5 Washington Wizards (44-38) — Lose Derrick Rose for the season? Trade away Luol Deng mid-season? Still win 48 games? Chicago is pretty incredible and Tom Thibodeau deserves Coach of the Year consideration. Washington is back in the playoffs after a long hiatus thanks to the young dynamic backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal. This will be a contrast of styles as Chicago is an immovable object and Washington has the young legs, but the Bulls’ experience wins out. Prediction: Bulls 4, Wizards 2
WESTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs (62-20) vs. No. 8 Dallas Mavericks (49-33) — The Spurs are used to this position, but the Mavs aren’t used to sitting in the eight spot. They have one of their least talented teams in years and still managed to make the postseason, but Dallas isn’t long for this matchup. It’s never easy to knock out Dirk Nowitzki, but the Spurs have been rolling all year. It won’t stop just yet. Prediction: Spurs 4, Mavericks 1
No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder (59-23) vs. No. 7 Memphis Grizzlies (50-32) — I’ll say up front that I’m picking the Thunder to win the title. However, Memphis certainly won’t be a walkover. Oklahoma City will want revenge for the Grizz eliminating them last season, although point guard Russell Westbrook was hurt. Now at full strength, Oklahoma City will overcome its less than stellar coach, Scott Brooks, to move on. Prediction: Thunder 4, Grizzlies 1
No. 3 Los Angeles Clippers (57-25) vs. No. 6 Golden State Warriors (51-31) — This is the series everyone is excited about. Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and two teams that really don’t like each other. There will be tons of highlights and plenty of chippy play. The health of Warriors center Andrew Bogut (broken rib) is key, because he makes up for a lot of the Golden State defensive deficiencies. Coaching and health win this one for the Clipps. Prediction: Clippers 4, Warriors 3
No. 4 Houston Rockets (54-28) vs. No. 5 Portland Trail Blazers (54-28) — What Portland was in the first half is what Houston has become in the second half. The Blazers got All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge back from a back injury and won nine of their final 10 games, but Houston found itself as the season moved along and is 25-11 since Jan. 25. The Rockets are also 39-17 when point guard Patrick Beverley is healthy, which he is now. Look out for Houston as a West sleeper. Prediction: Rockets 4, Blazers 3
