NBA Preseason Playoff Predictions

On Monday we posted our projected standings for both the Eastern and Western Conferences. We’ll build on that today and give you our playoff predictions. Since we don’t know the real matchups, we’re basing these selections on our standings list from that Monday post. And just like those standings, each Sports Guy will make a prediction, and the combination of those will be our official pick. Here we go!

NOTE: Andrew’s predictions (A) and Greg’s predictions (G) will be noted in parenthesis for each series as we go along. The combination though is what we’ll use in subsequent rounds.

Eastern Conference

First Round

1 Miami Heat vs. 8 Cleveland Cavaliers

This is a series that would get a ton of headlines, starting with Lebron vs. his former team and potential team he’s on next year depending on free agency. Depending on injuries, there could be a big man battle between Greg Oden and Andrew Bynum in this one also. Throw in the fact this would be Kyrie Irving’s first playoff series ever, and you have yourself a great battle. Miami is likely too experienced though and they are the team that currently has “The King” plus a healthier Wade.

Prediction: Heat in 5 (A: Heat in 6, G: Heat in 5)

2 Chicago Bulls vs. 7 Washington Wizards

All eyes here on the point guard battle between Derrick Rose and John Wall. Each player is so important to his respective team, especially because each team lacks a true #2 on offense. They each have serviceable, scrappy big men, but the Bulls have more experience, will play more consistently, and they have the better coach.

Prediction: Bulls in 4 (A: Bulls in 4, G: Bulls in 5)

3 Indiana Pacers vs. 6 Detroit Pistons

This was a fierce rivalry ten years ago, but not so much recently. The Pacers have been a trendy championship pick in the media this offseason, but Detroit was the team that made the most noise of any this summer. Both teams have the personnel to be tough inside, but the difference in the series lies on the perimeter, where the Pacers will have a decisive advantage. Paul George in particular is a guy nobody on the Pistons can guard.

Prediction: Pacers in 6 (A: Pacers in 6, G: Pacers in 6)

4 Brooklyn Nets vs. 5 New York Knicks

This has the makings of a great series. Both teams have depth, both teams have experience, both teams made big moves this summer, and both teams have stars. It could go either way, but Brooklyn is the more balanced team and they have the home court advantage in Game 7 (if needed).

Prediction: Nets in 7 (A: Nets in 7, G: Nets in 7)

Conference Semi-Finals

1 Miami Heat vs. 4 Brooklyn Nets

I think this is a series that everyone wants to see ever since Brooklyn made the big trade this summer. Pierce and KG will bring the toughness and swagger they had in Boston into this series, which means these teams won’t get along. I think Brooklyn will have an advantage inside, but Miami will have superior athleticism outside.

Prediction: Heat in 7 (A: Heat in 7, G: Nets in 7) – Tiebreak to higher seed.

2 Chicago Bulls vs. 3 Indiana Pacers

Rose said this is no longer a rivalry, but this series would change that. These teams are two of the most physical teams in the league, which will make this a defensive battle that could get chippy. The Pacers have the length to make it tough on Rose, but do they have enough scoring to overcome the Bulls defense? Which bench and role players will step up the most? Honestly, this is a toss-up.

Prediction: Pacers in 7 (A: Pacers in 6, G: Bulls in 7)

Conference Finals

1 Miami Heat vs. 3 Indiana Pacers

We all remember the series they had just a few months ago… it was a battle! There are two differences this year however…. 1. The Indiana bench is significantly stronger, which would help Indiana stick with the Heat significantly better. 2. Greg Oden (if healthy) could help give Miami some beef inside to withstand Hibbert and West. What will happen this year?

Prediction: Heat in 6 (A: Heat in 7, G: Heat in 6)

Western Conference

First Round

1 Los Angeles Clippers vs. 8 Denver Nuggets

This is a bad matchup for Denver, a team that is athletic and likes to play fast. LA can match their athleticism, particularly down low, and can outplay Denver at their game if they choose. Denver’s lack of star power will show up in the playoffs, just like it did last season.

Prediction: Clippers in 5 (A: Clippers in 5, G: Clippers in 5)

2 San Antonio Spurs vs. 7 New Orleans Pelicans

This is a matchup of completely different teams… The Spurs are old, the Pelicans are young. The Spurs will be methodical and can play in the half court, the Pelicans will likely play fast. The Spurs have been to the playoffs many times, this Pelicans have not. I think the Pelicans would be a feisty opponent, but they aren’t ready yet.

Prediction: Spurs in 5 (A: Spurs in 5, G: Spurs in 6)

3 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6 Memphis Grizzlies

Similar to the series above, these teams are vastly different and have different strengths. The Thunder are a perimeter oriented team, particularly on offense, while the Grizzlies rely on their big men. I’m interested in finding out who the Thunder will turn to besides Westbrook and Durant. If they don’t find somebody, the Grizzlies could out-muscle them out of the playoffs.

Prediction: Grizzlies in 6 (A: Grizzlies in 6, G: Grizzlies in 6)

4 Houston Rockets vs. 5 Golden State Warriors

This is by far the toughest matchup to predict so far. Both teams made huge moves this summer, bringing in a star to join their already emerging teams. Each team has a big time scorer (Harden and Curry) and both teams should improve dramatically on defense this year based on the additions of Howard and A.I. I like each team to advance, but that can’t happen.

Prediction: Warriors in 7 (A: Rockets in 7, G: Warriors in 6)

Conference Semi-Finals

1 Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5 Golden State Warriors

This series will feature Chris Paul vs. Steph Curry… what more could you want? There will also be shooters on the outside and versatile bigs down low. This series would swing back and forth, but the 1 seed would have home court (plus a more experienced coach). That’s the only difference I see.

Prediction: Clippers in 7 (A: Clippers in 7, G: Clippers in 7)

2 San Antonio Spurs vs. 6 Memphis Grizzlies

In contrast to the series above, these games would take place more in the half-court and in the paint. The defense both teams play would be fun to watch, but there is one player who could change the series: Tony Parker. He’d be the difference.

Prediction: Spurs in 5 (A: Spurs in 5, G: Spurs in 6)

Conference Finals

1 Los Angeles Clippers vs. 2 San Antonio Spurs

Greg and Andrew expect this to happen, seeing as each of them had one of these teams ranked at #1 in their original polls (A: Spurs, G: Clippers). We’d also see two of the game’s best coaches on full display (Pop and Doc). A break here or a break there could flip this series one way or another.

Prediction: Clippers in 7 (A: Spurs in 7, G: Clippers in 7) – Tiebreak to higher seed.

NBA Finals

1 Miami Heat vs. 1 Los Angeles Clippers

Miami would be going for a 3-peat, while the Clippers would try to win a title for the “other” LA team. Both teams have the stars, the perceived role players, and the championship coaching that deliver titles. Both would have also had to get through very competitive conferences. Again this could go either way, which is why we’ll post both of our predictions separately:

Andrew:        Heat in 6

Greg:              Clippers in 6

The season has begun, so let’s get into it!

By: The Sports Guys