It's been a weird and entertaining playoffs as a whole, but it has disappointed in some areas. Rose never came back, Westbrook joined him as another injured star, and the Conference Finals aren't the "dream matchups" that the media wanted. The good news is that the four teams left have been the best teams in these playoffs.
We stated at the start of the playoffs that Greg and I would compete picking series throughout. If you get the team right, 2 points is rewarded. If you get the length of the series right, you gain an additional point. Greg has been astonishing. He has predicted the winner of every series so far (12/12). Andrew has missed on four going 8/12. Of those, Greg has gotten the length correct five times, Andrew only 3. Therefore the standings to date are:
Greg: 29
Andrew: 19
Today we post our Conference Finals predictions and analysis. This was done yesterday before the first game out West. Enjoy!
Western Conference
2 San Antonio Spurs vs. 5 Memphis Grizzlies
Analysis: Outside of Golden State, these two teams have clearly dominated the West in the playoffs. The Spurs are using experience and balanced, team basketball. Memphis is using punishing defense and physical offensive play in the paint. Each team has stars, yet they lack a true "superstar" that many believe is needed to win big in this league. I love how they buck the trend.
I expect this to be a physical and somewhat defensive series. I think the Spurs will have a scoring advantage outside (Parker, Manu, Kawhi, etc.). I think Tony Allen will guard multiple players, but I don't know how well he can do on Parker. Conley won't be able to stop him consistently either. On the other side, I see Memphis having an advantage inside. The Spurs have big bodies, but I don't know if they can consistently contain Gasol and Randolph.
So with each team having an advantage, this should be a great series. Both teams have proven to be solid on the road, which means every game should be great. This could be an epic series.
Predictions:
Greg - Spurs in 7.
Eastern
Conference
1 Miami Heat
vs. 3 Indiana Pacers
Analysis: I've been waiting for this matchup all season. They played last year in the playoffs and Miami struggled. I think Indiana is better than they were then so this will be an even better dogfight. Words have started on both sides as they clearly don't like each other. And as good as Miami is, Indiana matches up great against them and plays a tough style for the Heat to deal with. Indiana leads the series this year 2-1 (regular season).
Most teams can't match up defensively with the "Big 3" but Indiana can. Stephenson can guard Wade well, West and Bosh cancel each other out, and Paul George can guard Lebron better than practically anyone in the league. Throw Hibbert in the paint to cut off the rim, and all of a sudden the Heat are somewhat limited. On offense, Indiana pounds it inside. The Heat don't have the bigs to guard that consistently so that's why Indiana can trouble them on both ends.
BUT, Miami has the stars to make plays the Pacers can't. They have experience winning here which the Pacers don't. The Heat are also a great defensive team and Indiana can struggle scoring at times. And that could be what costs Indiana their chance.
Overall, I see this series being the most intriguing of the playoffs yet. It's a contrast in styles and player personalities that will add up to pure entertainment. We're from Indiana, so you know who we'd like to see win...
Predictions:
Tell
us what you think, and who you agree with. Enjoy the Conference Finals!
By:
The Sports Guys
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