2015-2016 NBA Playoffs Round 3

East:

1. Cavs over 2. Drakes in 6 games

-I want to find a way for the Cavs to win this. But like always, until they meet one of the power teams in the West, the Cavs will only lose to themselves. The Raptors have had a great year. Their backcourt is far and away better than the Cavs. But the frontcourt difference, especially if Jonas isn’t able to go, is tremendous. Even in the backcourt if Derozan isn’t efficient their advantage will be nullified. The Raptors do have a possibility of stopping the 3-point barrage that is coming because of their defensive abilities, but it isn’t enough. Lebron goes to yet another Finals.

West:

1.  Warriors over 3. Thunder in 5 games

-The Thunder have come a long way. I was supremely surprised at the shutdown of the Spurs, and Donovan did a much better job than anticipated. But the Warriors are just about ready to have everything click back into gear, and when fully on this team kills the Thunder. When it comes down to it, the Warriors will blitz the heck out of the Thunder’s big lineup, but unlike the Spurs, will actually be able to muster the guard advantage to do so. The Thunder will win the rebounding advantage, but that’s it. Westbrook will be goaded into going full board, and his lack of discipline and defensive focus will be exposed. Unless Draymond’s ankle is worse than they are letting on, this will be over in 5.

Title Picture:

-Golden State should remain the favorite, with only the Raptors without any real chance at the title. For the first time, I’ve been seriously considering the possibility of a Thunder-Cavs Finals. If so, I think I’d lean to the Thunder. The Warriors, remain the most logical Champion overall.

2015-2016 NBA Playoffs Round 2

East:

3. Heat over 2. Drakes in 6 games

-The inconsistency of the Heat meets the inconsistency of the Raptors. You could tell me a lot of things will happen in this series and I’d believe you. However, the Heat are in a much healthier place and Wade versus Derozan is laughable even if Wade is a little bit too old. Lowry doesn’t seem healthy and Hassan is going to dominate Jonas athletically. Deng again has a good chance at a really effective series, and I like Goran to keep rolling as well. 

1. Cavs over 4. Hawks in 6 games

-At some point, this Cavs team is going to breakdown because of its lack of ability to switch and communicate effectively on defense. They will, in effect, defeat themselves. This will likely be against the Spurs or Dubs in the Finals, but it could happen here because of the kind of team the Hawks are. The vital components will be the wings for the Hawks, especially Bazemore. Korver will need to match JR Smith and space effectively and his age, athleticism, and inconsistency scares me. Millsap and Horford will be really effective against the Cavs’ bigs though, and an upset would not completely stun me.

West:

1.  Warriors over 5. Blazers in 5 games

-I am hesitant to even give the Blazers one win. Honestly, I’d sit Curry the series to make sure he’s healthy. Klay is impressive with his expanded chances/production. The Blazers are going to learn good lessons here but ultimately be pushed aside pretty quickly.

2. Spurs over 3. Thunder in 5 games

-Again, the one game for the Thunder is a stretch but a nod to the superior athleticism of the Thunder. Years ago, the Thunder simply outclassed the Spurs on athleticism. The Spurs have added Leonard since and the Thunder lost Harden. It is now much closer and the Spurs are a professional organization. This won’t be close, and the Durant rumors start flying.

Title Picture:

-Golden State should remain the favorite, but if Curry is slowed and San Antonio keeps rolling, they become the frontrunner. It already just a monstrously well-oiled machine right now. Cleveland gets about a 10% chance just because they are highly likely to make the Finals (unfortunately).