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).
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