NBA Playoff Round 1 Predictions

Predictions by NBA Consultant: Harrison Churchman

Eastern Conference:

1Miami VS. 8Milwaukee MIA in 4 Games

This is a team on a mission, they did it last year and have the right approach. The only problems they may face would be later in the playoffs, they roll here though.

The Skinny: They are just better

2New York VS. 7Boston BOS in 7 Games

This series will be a long competitive battle where defensive stops will be at a premium and adjustment-style coaching will prevail. The experience that Boston possesses is second to none in the Eastern conference, and you can’t count them out.

The Skinny:Defense, playoff experience and coaching

3Indiana VS. 6Atlanta IND in 6 Games

It is tough to believe that the Hawks lost on purpose for the more favorable second round opponent (Not Miami) and are now facing arguably the most physical team in the East. With Roy Hibbert, David West, Paul George, and Psycho T (Tyler Hansborough), they can enjoy rebounds and defense as they methodically beat you. Al Horford will lengthen this series, but the size will be too much.

The Skinny:Physicality

4Brooklyn VS. 5Chicago CHI in 7 Games

This may be one of the best match-ups in the first round, and it will be a hard fought one for both teams. The Bulls boast a defense like no other, Carlos Boozer plays down low and Luol Deng on the wing. This will have two balanced teams doing battle.

The Skinny:Thibideau’s coaching, defense, playoff experience

Western Conference:

1Oklahoma City VS. 8Houston OKC in 5 Games

This will be James Harden‘s return to OKC and he will have something to prove, however he will be playing against Kevin Durant and his partner in crime Russell Westbrook. Houston can grab a game, but Thunder take the series.

The Skinny:Too strong and fast, despite Houston being on right track

2San Antonio VS. 7LA Lakers SA in 5 Games

This will be a daunting task for the Lakers without Kobe and the Spurs seem to be at full strength. Howard can still power them, but only to 1 game, and the Spurs take the rest.

TheSkinny:Lakers injuries, SA coaching and experience

3Denver VS. 6Golden State DEN in 6 Games

This series may turn into a battle of the guards, and the Nuggets have more depth at that position. They have better chemistry and will have to shut down Stephen Curry, or at least limit him.

The Skinny:Team Chemistry, shutting down Curry

4LA Clippers VS. 5Memphis LAC in 7 Games

This could be the Clippers year to out do their in-city counterpart, the Lakers, by advancing further in the playoffs than them. They have good pieces and are very deep. This will be a great series and it will last all 7 games, but the stars on the Clippers will be too much.

The Skinny:Home court advantage, star power, Crawford may be the difference

Flame Out! Heat Streak Done

It was a good run for the Heat, but after last night’s tough loss on the road to the Chicago Bulls, the streak has come to an end.  So 1971-’72 Los Angeles Lakers, your streak is safe and secure so you can relax, as the closest team to it now is the New York Knicks who have won 6 straight.  What does this mean for each team?  Well, let’s take a look.

What does it mean for the Heat?

It means that the historic run has come to an end and the Heat have sole possession of the 2nd longest winning streak in NBA history at 27 games.  A streak that produced more total wins than 10 of the 30 teams in the NBA .  The first time they have lost in almost 2 months is simply what it is, just a loss.  Not a momentum crushing blow even though they lost to a Bulls team without 2 of their own stars.  They were simply exposed for their consistent weak rebounding and made paid for it by a Bulls team that can beat you up on the inside.  Is this the “blueprint” to beat the Heat? Of course it is.  Does it mean every team can implement it and beat the Heat? No, it certainly doesn’t.  For this moment though, tip your cap to them Heat, they beat you.  You both played a good game, but the Bulls were just better last night.

What does it mean for the Bulls?

This has to be a confidence booster for a Bulls team that desperately needed it.  Congratulations Chicago, you definitely earned it.  A team that has lacked on the offensive end all season without Derrick Rose but can play even the best defense in the league without their main guy Joakim Noah.  The Bulls have to be encouraged by this win without 2 of their best players and must carry this momentum through the rest of the season and into the playoffs.  The Bulls are showing Derrick Rose that if he can come back they can make a serious run at the title.  Will games like this help Rose make the comeback?  Who knows if it can, but it can’t hurt.  If Rose could come back and be as effective as ever, this would certainly be an Eastern Conference Finals matchup that would have us, and the entire NBA, salivating over.

What does it mean for the 1971-’72 Lakers?

They can finally breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate.  Go ahead guys, your streak is safe, so do what you do when every winning streak ends, pop the cork!  Or is that something another historic team does?  Hmm, maybe.  Either way, sit back and bask in the glory of the greatest streak in NBA history at 33 games because as of now, no one can touch it.