2012 NBA Playoffs
Ah, NBA playoff basketball. My favorite time of the
year. A time where the “old guys” like Kobe, Dirk, Pierce, and Duncan turn it
on and show the kids who is boss. Where at least one young guy like Durant or
Rose raises their game a level and suggests a future where they dominate.
Where Lebron crashes down in
fear of the moment. Okay, had to get that in there.
Here are the picks:
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals:
Bulls defeat 76ers, 4-1
-I will give Doug Collins 1
game, but this team isn’t right and they don’t match up well. It may not matter
how dominant Rose is or isn’t.
HEAT defeat Knicks, 4-3
-You heard me. I think the
Knicks give the HEAT a legit run. But the HEAT have too much. It isn’t that the
Knicks are good per se (I think they would have lost 4-1 to the Bulls), but
they match up well with the HEAT. Lebron-Melo is a potential cancel, Iman
Shumpert can work wonders on Wade, and 80% Amare is better than Bosh. But in
the end, no way Wade doesn’t push it over the top.
Pacers defeat Magic, 4-0
-I almost gave the Magic 1
win because the Pacers are inexperienced in the playoffs, but I just don’t see
it. Maybe if Ryan Anderson cans 5 3’s in a half or something, but I think by
game 3 the Magic will be trying to figure out if they can forfeit the remaining
games.
Celtics defeat Hawks 4-2
-The fact that game six will
be in Boston and game five in Atlanta made me say this will go 6 instead of 5.
The Hawks have put together a respectable season, playing without Horford in a
tough division. But the Celtics are clicking, have more talent, and have more
experience. Rondo is the biggest mismatch. Good luck Teague.
Western Conference Quarterfinals:
Spurs defeat Jazz, 4-1
-I give the Jazz one game
based on a big game from Big Al and Millsap where they shoot 70% and get 55
points together or something. Ty Corvin has done a great job but is about to be
schooled.
Thunder defeat Mavs, 4-3
-I have to think the Mavs
fight tooth and nail in this series. They got the Thunder last year and while
the Mavs got worse the Thunder may not have Harden. But the Thunder get game
seven at home and they have Durant.
Lakers defeat Nuggets, 4-1
-I like Denver. I really do.
But not this year. And not in this series. Something doesn’t feel right. Faried
is a nice player. But versus Pau and Bynum? Lakers tighten up and take care of business.
Grizzlies defeat Clippers 4-2
-Feels like most of the
Hornets playoffs from the last 5 years. They have the best player in Paul, and
like the 3rd best player in the series (David West/Blake Griffin),
but players 2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 are on the other team. Too much from the Grizzlies
with Gay really lighting the Clips up. Paul singlehandedly pushes them to 2
wins.
Overall I still like the Thunder
over the Bulls, but this is wide open. Would I be surprised if it were
Lakers-Celtics? Not at all. And I think a Lebron-Kobe Finals, just one, would
be legendary.
BLISS
