With the first round of the playoffs starting on Saturday me (JT) and Ron decided to give a quick prediction filled post for each series. (S/O to my dog Will for the ideal)
#1 Golden State Warriors vs #8 New Orleans Pelicans- The Golden State Warriors are a well-oiled machine, and they will be facing one of the best young teams in the NBA the New Orleans Pelicans. I believe that Anthony Davis is good enough to rally the troops up for at least one win, but it will be too much of the Splash Brothers during this series. I have the Warriors taking the series 4-1.
#2 Houston Rockets vs #7 Dallas Mavericks- This battle of Texas could be very interesting. While the Rockets are the #2 seed I think the matchups are very interesting. Howard/Chandler at the center position, Nowitzki/Jones at power forward, Chandler/Ariza at small forward, Harden/Ellis at shooting guard and who cares about the point guards on both teams. This series might depend on the bench both starting lineups are pretty solid and the Rockets have possible MVP James Harden so that gives them a slight edge. Because of injuries the Rockets have had to used their bench a lot more and have more quality so they have an edge. Rockets win the series 4-2.
#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs #6 San Antonio Spurs- I am pretty sure that the whole NBA is rooting for the Clippers to beat the Spurs in the opening round. It will be easier said than done. On paper the Clippers have the superior team, but everyone knows that you can’t bet against the Spurs when they have Greg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard. Even though the Spurs are the No.6 seed I expect them to take the series. Greg Popovich will find a way to exploit DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin’s weaknesses which will lead them to an early fishing trip. Spurs take the series 4-2.
#4 Portland Trail Blazers vs #5 Memphis Grizzlies- Frankly this series would be one of the best in the first round of the playoffs, but the Trail Blazers have been stung with a bevy of injuries. Nicolas Batum, C.J. McCullum, Chris Kaman, LaMarcus Aldridge and Aaron Affalo are all on the injury report. Wesley Matthews and Dorell Wright are out for the season. The Blazers are the walking wounded and I think that plays right into the ground and pound attack of the Grizzlies. Z-Bo, Gasol, Conley and Green should have a field day with the battered Blazers. Grizzlies win the series 4-2.
These are our predictions feel free to leave a comment on who you think will win each series and by which game.
