George Klein
4/21/2013
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1)
Miami Heat vs. (8) Milwaukee Bucks
This series is
going to be rough for the Bucks. The Heat have steamrolled through the entire
league all season and they show no sign of stopping. On the other side, the
Bucks have been up and down, sneaking into the playoffs not necessarily on
their own merit, but the weakness of the whole conference. Brandon Jennings is
going to chuck way too many shots throughout the whole series (especially after
his bold claim the Bucks will win this series in 6); if he gets crazy hot one
game, sparking memories of his 56 point outburst his rookie season, the Bucks
might be able to scrap out a win. The greatest player in the league Lebron James
and the best team are here and here to stay. If Wade and Bosh keep up their
season long efficiency with Shane Battier and Mike Miller canning threes, this
series could reach historical blowout heights.
Prediction: Heat
in 4
( (2) New
York Knicks vs. (7) Boston Celtics
The Knicks are
looking to reclaim their glory at MSG these playoffs, led by star Carmelo
Anthony, who looks to be advancing to the second round for only the second time
in his career. He is joined by probable 6th man of the year J.R.
Smith, and a strong supporting class with the likes of veteran Jason Kidd,
comeback story Kenyon Martin, and up and coming Chris Copeland. Meanwhile, the
Celtics endured a season full of troubles and turmoil. PG Rajon Rondo is out
for the season with a torn ACL and Kevin Garnett is battling a knee injury. The
Celtics are hungry, especially after the events surrounding the Boston Marathon
last week. Their window of opportunity closing, the Celtics look for Paul
Pierce and Jeff Green to handle much of the scoring load.
Prediction:
Knicks in 5
( (3) Indiana
Pacers vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
In all
likelihood, it would take a miracle for the Hawks to win this series. The Pacers
are just better in every facet of the game; they’re longer, quicker, and better
shooters. Paul George is the catalyst for this team; all the offence runs
through him. Roy Hibbert and David West form a powerful backcourt for the
Pacers. Hibbert provides defensive punch, blocking around 2.5 shots per game,
and West’s main strength is on the offensive side, averaging about 17ppg. The
Hawks are led by pg Jeff Teague who had a strong season, Josh Smith who is
trying to prove that he is a star in this league deserving a max contract, and Al
Horford who is dependable at the center position.
Prediction:
Pacers in 5
( (4) Brooklyn
Nets vs. (5) Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are
still without their star Derek Rose, who reports say most likely will not be
back for any part of the playoffs. So like they have all season, the Bulls are going
to have to make due with Luol Deng, defensive star Joakhim Noah, and free-agent
disappointment Carlos boozer. Unfortunately for the Bulls, the Nets have been
hot throughout the second half of the season. Deron Williams has been on a hot
streak and performing with the league’s best, Joe Johnson is improving and Brook
Lopez has been a standout offensive performer at center for them all season.
The Nets are looking very good in this matchup.
Prediction: Nets
in 6
Western Conference predictions out soon!
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