Zach's NBA Playoff Predictions
Eastern Conference First Round Predictions:
[quote_simple]Heat over Bucks in 5
Key Matchup: Chris Bosh vs. Larry Sanders
X Factors: Mario Chalmers, Ersan Ilyasova
Difference Maker: Lebron James
Bucks did play the Heat pretty well, and I certainly wouldn’t be shocked if the Heat didn’t make it to the NBA Finals, but they’ll beat the Bucks who are a few years away.[/quote_simple]
[quote_simple]Nets over Bulls in 6
Key Matchup: Brook Lopez vs. Joakim Noah
X Factors: Andray Blatche, Nate Robinson
Difference Maker: Gerald Wallace, after a disappointing season to some, does every little thing to help the Nets win, every game he is diving on the floor for loose balls, grabbing bounds, playing strong D and being unselfish for a guy who was the star of his team 3 years ago,
Deron Williams dominates this series, Joe Johnson catches fire, and Brook Lopez plays well enough and saves it for the Heat, who he can truly play great against and has. Watch for Marshon Brooks and Andray Blatche to play a huge role.[/quote_simple]
[quote_simple]Pacers over Hawks in 7
Key Matchup: Roy Hibbert vs. Al Horford
X Factors: Lance Stephenson
Difference Maker: David West, simply put a complete player who has zero flaws in his game and is as consistent as they come.
Josh Smith and Al Horford have been great, but Paul George took the step from talented youngster to superstar. The Pacers are more complete and play more in control.[/quote_simple]
[quote_simple]Knicks over Celtics in 6
Key Matchup: Carmelo Anthony vs. Paul Pierce
X Factors: Iman Schumpert, Brandon Bass
Difference Maker: A healthy Tyson Chandler
Knicks have had a magical season and if the older guys can keep contributing, stay healthy and Carmelo doesn’t chuck 15 threes, the Knicks should win easily, but if they take the Celtics lightly then they will go winless in the playoffs for 15 straight years.[/quote_simple]
Western Conference First Round Predictions:
[quote_simple]Thunder over Rockets in 6
Key Matchup: Russell Westbrook/Thabo Sefolosha vs. James Harden
X Factors: Sefolosha, Omer Asik
Difference Maker: Russell Westbrook
Harden puts on a show, but Jeremy Lin will be eaten alive by the best point guard outside of LA in Russell Westbrook.[/quote_simple]
[quote_simple]Grizzlies over Clippers in 7
Key Matchup: Zach Randolph vs. Blake Griffin
X factors: Tony Allen, Eric Bledsoe
Difference Maker: Marc Gasol
The best cohesive team in the league will beat “Lob City” with there outstanding defense and the mismatched coaching competition.[/quote_simple]
[quote_simple]Nuggets over Warriors in 7
Key Matchup: Ty Lawson vs. Stephen Curry
X Factors: Javal McGee, Jarrett Jack
Difference Maker: Andre Iguodala
The young Warriors will not overcome, dare I say, the most complete fun team to watch in the league. Andre Iguodala, is the poor mans LeBron James. I dare you to read his box score every night….STAT SHEET STUFFER[/quote_simple]
[quote_simple]Lakers over Spurs in 7
Key Matchup: Howard/Gasol vs Duncan/Blair/ Splitter
X Factors: Danny Green, Antwan Jamison
Difference Maker: Paul Gasol
Pau Gasol has woken up from his hiatus and is back playing classic Spaniard basketball. The old Spurs make their last top 4 seeded run and last 7 games but won’t be enough for the size of Gasol and Dwight Howard and the streaky Steve Blake.[/quote_simple]
