Story by Matt Van Bergen
Staff Writer
The NBA playoffs have finally come as sixteen teams prepare as they start their journey towards winning the NBA championship.
Eastern Conference
Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks
The No. 1-seeded Miami Heat (66-16) will take on the Milwaukee Bucks (38-44), the only team with a losing record to make the playoffs this year. Most people think that the Heat will take it all because of their superstar power and fast-paced offense. Math teacher Mr. Chris Fragoso agrees, “The Heat’s offense has been simply incredible this year, they are among the most efficient offensive teams in basketball.” But he also thinks that they can be defeated, “They are really small in the front court, so teams are able to outmuscle them for rebounds and score down low. Their defense has also regress as they have opted to play role players like Ray Allen, who excel on offense but struggle on defense.” Bucks’ guard Brandon Jennings has promised on Twitter that the Bucks will win the series in six games, but it looks like Jennings is being a little bit overconfident.
Prediction: Heat in 4
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics
The New York Knicks (54-28) are matched up against the Boston Celtics (41-40), a classic rivalry which could come down to the wire. If Carmelo Anthony keeps up his impressive offensive output and Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith produces off the bench, the Knicks seem to be invincible. And with Rajon Rondo out for the Celtics, Paul Pierce and Jeff Green will need to step up their offensive game. The old, injury-ridden Celtics will have to tough time covering all of the Knicks’ sharpshooters.
Prediction: Knicks in 5
Indiana Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks
The Indiana Pacers (49-32) will play the Atlanta Hawks (44-38) in the first round. The Pacers’ Most Improved Player Paul George, who has been cold from the floor lately, will need to step up his game for the Pacers to advance. The Hawks’ offense has never been the same since they lost Lou Williams to a season-ending injury. However, the Hawks’ big men Josh Smith and Al Horford could give the Hawks a fighting chance.
Prediction: Pacers in 5
Brooklyn Nets vs Chicago Bulls
The Brooklyn Nets (49-33) play Chicago Bulls (45-37). The Nets’ frontcourt with red-hot Deron Williams and knockdown shooter Joe Johnson far outclasses that of the Bulls, which the Bulls need to focus on. “I don’t think they will win. They have too many injuries to key players, including their star player Derrick Rose. Without him their offense is pretty much non existent which is their biggest weakness as a team,” says Bulls’ fan Mr. Fragoso. However, Mr. Fragoso said, “The Bulls do process a superb coach, excellent team defense, and incredible heart.” Without Rose it seems really difficult for the Bulls to produce enough offense. However, the Bulls might be able to turn outstanding defense into easy offense.
Prediction: Nets in 6
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder (60-22) are matched up against the Houston Rockets (45-37). The Rockets’ James Harden will go head to head against his former teammates, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, with something to prove. The young, inexperienced Rockets team will have to face the fast, high-powered offense of the Thunder. Rockets’ Jeremy Lin will be dominated by the much more athletic Westbrook. It will be nearly impossible for the Rockets to upset the number one seeded Thunder.
Prediction: Thunder in 4
San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers
The San Antonio Spurs (58-24) will play the Los Angeles Lakers (45-37). After claiming their playoff berth just nearly on the last day of the regular season, the Lakers look to fight their way through the playoffs without their leader, Kobe Bryant, due to his torn Achilles tendon. Everyone is counting on Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol to step up in place of Bryant and to carry the workload. However, Brian Santillan doesn’t think they can pull it off, “The Lakers don’t have a chance. Kobe was the only reason they could win a game. Now that he’s gone it’s pretty much a done deal.”
Prediction: Spurs in 5
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors
The Denver Nuggets (57-25) will take on the Golden State Warriors (47-35). Record-setting sharpshooter Stephen Curry looks to carry the Warriors past the athletic Denver Nuggets. This matchup will go down to seven games if the Nuggets can’t contain Curry. Nuggets’ fan Santillan said, “Ty Lawson needs to shut him [Curry] down. As long as that happens the Nuggets will take this series easily.” The Nuggets have injuries throughout the lineup with Danilo Gallinari’s torn ACL, Kenneth Faried’s sprained ankle, and Lawson returning from his partially torn plantar fascia. This will be a close matchup that could go either way.
Prediction: Warriors in 6
Los Angeles Clippers vs Memphis Grizzlies
The Los Angeles Clippers (56-26) play the Memphis Grizzlies (56-26). The Clippers and Grizzlies meet again in the first round and the Grizzlies will look for redemption for last year’s disappointing ending to their season. The Grizzlies’ physical defense with Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph will make the Clippers work hard for their buckets. Clippers’ fan Kenneth Tarroza said, “This is going to come down to a battle for rebounds and it’s going to be one of the most physical matchups in the playoffs. Blake Griffin needs to make sure he boxes out Zach Randolph so that the Grizzlies don’t get second chance points.” After leading the Clippers to the franchise’s best season, Chris Paul will prove a big factor during their run to the Finals.
Prediction: Clippers in 6
This year’s playoffs have a lot in store for fans. The first games are on Saturday, April 20. Who will raise the Larry O’Brien trophy in June?
