Here are my predictions for the NBA playoff Quarterfinals.
Eastern Conference
(E1) Atlanta Hawks vs (E8) Brooklyn Nets: Atlanta had a tremendous year and they are basically a poor-mans Spurs from a standpoint of how they play. Brooklyn was a dissappointment for most of the season, but thanks to a win on Wednesday night and a Pacers loss, they are in the playoffs and not in the lottery, in which they would have gave their pick to the Hawks to complete the trade for Joe Johnson. Now with Paul Milsap back from injury and the inconsistancy of the Nets, I expect the Hawks to win a shore series.
Prediction: Hawks in five games.
(E2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E7) Boston Celtics: Cleveland is no question the team to beat in the Eastern Conference as they try to make their first postseason run since before LeBron left for Miami. Boston on the other hand has been one of the surprise teams of the Eastern Conference and coach Brad Stevens deserves credit for the turnaround. I believe this will be a short series as well, but a competitive one as Stevens will get his team to play well, but fall short to a much better Cavs teams with LeBron, Kyrie Iriving, and Kevin Love leading the way.
Prediction: Cavaliers in five games.
(E3) Chicago Bulls vs (E6) Milwaukee Bucks: Chicago hopes to have their team healthy for what should be a fascinating playoffs for them. Milwaukee has overachieved this season and here they are in the postseason. Even with their health issues, Chicago should get by Milwaukee and this is a huge opportunity for Derrick Rose to get going. Jason Kidd will be in the conversation for coach of the year for the job he has done with this team. I think Chicago wins a short series, but expect a breakout performance from budding star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Prediction: Bulls in five games.
(E4) Toronto Raptors vs (E5) Washington Wizards: Both of these squads (Washington in particular) has struggled over the last couple of months. Toronto has built on last seasons success and looks poised to take the next step. Washington wants to get out of their funk, but I just don't see it. Randy Wittman has coached this team poorly and he might just lose his job if the Wiz lose this series. I do believe this will be a competitive series, but I expect the Raps to move on.
Prediction: Raptors in six games.
Western Conference
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W8) New Orleans Pelicans: Golden State had a historical regular season and their poised for a deep playoff run. New Orleans, behind an MVP caliber season from Anthony Davis and taking advantage of the Thunder's injury situation, are here in the playoffs. Expect Davis to have a tremendous series, but Golden State is the by far the better team with MVP favorite Stephen Curry leading the way. I would be surprised if the Dubs lost more than one game in this series.
Prediction: Warriors in five games.
(W2) Houston Rockets vs (W7) Dallas Mavericks: This should be a tremendous series considering this is an in-state rivalry. Houston, led by MVP candidate James Harden, wants to take the next step by avoiding a first-round exit for the third straight year. Dallas has been playing mediocre basketball down the stretch, but this team led by Dirk Nowitzki, normally have a knack for playing well in the postseason. This series is smells a seven and I believe Harden and Dwight Howard will lead the Rockets to the second round.
Prediction: Rockets in seven games.
(W3) Los Angeles Clippers vs (W6) San Antonio Spurs: This is the best series of the first round. Both teams have been playing tremendous basketball down the stretch. It sucks that one of these two teams will lose in the first round. The Clippers have a great starting five and a weak bench. San Antonio is arguably the best team in the league when everyone is healthy and that is indeed the case. I'm curious to see if Gregg Popovich has Kawhi Leonard defend Chris Paul in this series. If that's the case, it should be great. This is going to be an outstanding series, but San Antonio should win the series with their core healthy.
Prediction: Spurs in six games.
(W4) Portland Trail Blazers vs (W5) Memphis Grizzlies: This should be a fairly interesting series. Portland hasn't been healthy for the past few months, epically with Wesley Matthews being out for the season with a torn ACL. Memphis hasn't played very well the past few months because Marc Gasol and Mike Conley tailed off offensively. Considering the health of the Blazers, I like the Grizzlies to turn on their defense and take the series.
Prediction: Grizzlies in six games.
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