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Rookie
OVR: 0
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Rhoose, Wales, UK.
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Re: Oklahoma City Thunder - It all starts here
2014 NBA Playoffs
East
8 New York Knicks vs. 1 Indiana Pacers
5 Washington Wizards vs. 4 Detroit Pistons
6 Chicago Bulls vs. 3 Toronto Raptors
7 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 2 Miami Heat
West
8 Memphis Grizzlies vs. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder
5 Golden State Warriors vs. 4 Houston Rockets
6 Portland Trail Blazers vs. 3 Los Angeles Clippers
7 Dallas Mavericks vs. 2 San Antonio Spurs
Playoff Predictions/Power Rankings
1. Indiana Pacers (67-15) Prediction: Win 4-1
The Pacers closed out the season 5-1, finished with the best record in franchise history, and only allowed opponents to score 87.3 points per game, as well as scoring 98.1 point per game. To say the Pacers were impressive is an understatement. Without the mid-season trade of Granger for Lowry, the Pacers were already dominant, but since the trade, Indiana have gone 32-4 and Lowry has averaged 14.1 points off the bench, and such they have look almost invincible at times. For me, the Pacers, the No.1 defensive team in the NBA have got to be the favorites to claim the Larry O'Brain trophy come may, because as you know, defense wins championships.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18) Prediction: Win 4-1
When you've got MVP Kevin Durant on your roster, you know you will be competitive. But KD took to a whole new level this season. With Westbrook missing 37 games due to knee problems, KD took upon himself to put the franchise on his back and carry them towards a championship. In Westbrook's absence, KD average 31.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists all while shooting the famous 50/40/90, that is why OKC play Indiana in the NBA Finals. Durant, with a healthy Westbrook, has no match in the West, the final 10 games, OKC went 9-1, the Thunder player some outstanding basketball.
3. San Antonio Spurs (61-21) Prediction: Win 4-2
The Spurs do what they do best this season. Win. The stretch when Duncan was out, 37 games, San Antonio went 29-8 without him, which is impressive, Duncan being the greatest Power Forward to play the game and all. This year the Spurs defense was clearly better that last year, 93.2 points allowed per game, and offensively the Spurs were efficient as you'd expect, shooting 49.3 percent. The only issue I have with this team is age. Can San Antonio expect to get past the athletic young guns in Oklahoma City? My prediction is no but never count the Spurs out.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (58-24) Prediction: Win 4-2
The Clippers were a brilliant surprise this season. Although fun to watch on offense (as usual) the Clips, guided by Doc Rivers, became a top 10 team defensively, which is why I believe Chris Paul can finally have his deep playoff run. Anchored by defensive play of the year DeAndre Jordan and a well balanced half court offense, the Clippers will be tough opposition in this years playoffs and I can't wait to watch them battle Portland in the opening round.
5. Miami Heat (58-24) Prediction: Win 4-1
The Heat clearly look disinterested during the regular season, and having won two straight championships, you can't really blame them. This year the Heat were 3-10 when the game had a lead less than 5 with 5 minutes to go. Not that the Heat can't close out games, they just looked like they couldn't be bothered. LeBron's 23.8 points per game this season, his lowest total ever, also adds to my point. But don't be fooled, the final 10 games of the season, the Heat went 10-0 and look ready to rip up the Eastern Conference again.
6. Houston Rockets (54-28) Prediction: Win 4-3
The Rockets were just about where I thought they'd be. A killer on offense and slightly better on defense. But with games slowing down as they usually do during the playoffs, the Rockets have one of the best rim defenders in the league to give them half a chance to stay in games, and with Harden, Parsons and Lin knocking down shots on offense, the Rockets look to be a tough matchup, that's if they can get past Golden State in the first round.
7. Golden State Warriors (51-31) Prediction: Lose 4-3
The Warriors were given great news yesterday when they learned starters Iguodala and Bogut would return to start the series vs. Houston. And with Curry starting to finally light it up after a regular season slump, the Warriors look tasty this post seson. But as Charles Barkley would say, live by the jumpshot, die by the jumpshot.
8. Detroit Pistons (41-41) Prediction: Win 4-2
Although the Pistons were just about .500 this year, I really think they can give a top team problems. With bigs Drummond and Monroe, Detroit have given themselves a chance to beat anyone because of their defense. If Josh Smith can get his head right and defend like we know he can on the perimeter, the Pistons can lockdown anyone. And without Jennings just throwing up shots, offensively the Pistons have been more efficient which is what will win you games in the post season.
9. Portland Trail Blazers (50-32) Prediction: Lose 4-2
The Blazers had such a great season that I don't think they can carry it over to post season basketball. If you've watched a Blazers game, you know they just chuck up three's for fun, but that won't get them wins, especially against a defensive unit like LA.
10. Dallas Mavericks (47-35) Prediction: Lose 4-2
The Mavs are back, having missed the 2013 Playoffs, Dallas have to be hungry to cause and upset against their Texas rivals. The Mavs can light it up offensively, but with Monta Ellis and Jose Calderon starting in your backcourt, you know that defense is going to be a liability, and that is something that cannot happen against San Antonio because we've seen them disintegrate so many defenses this year, Dallas have to watch out.
11. Toronto Raptors (44-38) Prediction: Lose 4-3
The Raptors made it into the Playoffs with plus .500 record simply because they are in the East, and can knock down the three ball. The East has been so bad this year that the Raps are the No.3 seed. Unfortunately for Toronto, they play the 4th rated defense in Chicago and I think that three ball wont stay hot forever.
12. Memphis Grizzlies (42-40) Prediction: Lose 4-2
The Grizzlies made it into the playoffs on the final day, and there reward? A fully healthy OKC. Although I believe they will take their 2 games at home, the Grizzlies wont be able to slow down MVP Durant and his buddy Westbrook.
13. Washington Wizards (39-43) Prediction: Lose 4-2
The Wizards showed glimpses throughout the regular season, and a few crafty off season moves could propel Washington into a plus .500 caliber team. But defense has been their problem, and when they slump, they slump hard and I cant see them knocking off a good Detroit team.
14. Chicago Bulls (37-45) Prediction: Win 4-3
Although I have the Bulls to beat the Raptors, they will be swept in the second round by Miami. Without Rose or Deng, the Bulls have no go to guys offensively and although that may work against Toronto, defense alone won't beat Miami.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (35-47) & New York Knicks (34-49) (
OUT.
Last edited by Gaz.Hodg; 01-12-2014 at 01:54 PM.
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01-12-2014, 11:23 AM
