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This is a very good analysis of the Spurs/Clippers series. I agree with them: It's will probably be the most compelling first-round match-up. To me, these seem like the two most complete teams:
I may be a Clipper hater, but I otherwise give them credit when due. Their bench simply cannot compete with the Spurs, especially with Crawford out. They'll be lucky to win two games.
Mark Cuban: Harden is the MVP 'because that's not a very good team'
"There's no more predictable team than the Rockets. You know exactly what they're gonna do,” he says. “But James Harden is so good. That's what analytics have begot. Right? Predictability. If you know what the percentages are, in the playoffs, you have time to counter them. Whether you're good enough to do it is another question. Because they are very talented, and James Harden, I think, is the MVP. Because that's not a very good team over there.”
#1 Warriors over #8 Pelicans, 4-3. I think New Orleans will surprise in their first playoff series since Chris Paul was in town. I think the Warriors will pull through but I think this could be like the Celtics who won the championship in 2008. They had to fend off the 8th seed Hawks and Cavaliers in 7 games, and the Pistons in 6 games before advancing to the Finals. I think this will be an extremely competitive series that when the Pelicans look back, they could say had they fixed just a few things, they would have won this series. I see it unfolding like this, but I could also see the complete opposite happening and Golden State sweeps the Pelicans back to the Big Easy. But I'm leaning towards tight, competitive series.
#7 Mavericks over #2 Rockets, 4-2. This is not favoritism, I truly believe the Mavericks will defeat the Rockets with the deciding game in the Big D. I feared with the Spurs' big run down the stretch that they would clinch #2, which would have been absolutely terrifying. The Mavericks won four of their last five resting a lot of their starters frequently. Also, although Houston won the season series, 3-1, the net margin of victory in those four games were four points.
#6 Spurs over #3 Clippers, 4-1. Sucks for the Clippers. I really don't like the Clippers, but they have really flown under the radar and quietly finished in the third seed. However, they had to be paired up with the Spurs, the league's hottest team, and I think this series will be a breeze for the lower-seeded San Antonio team.
#5 Grizzlies over #4 Blazers, 4-1. The Grizzlies caught a break. Both of these teams have been struggling but I think Memphis will get the last laugh. Portland will save the series with a victory at home in Game 3 or 4 but Memphis will pull through with ease after crawling over the regular season finish line.
Semifinals #1 Warriors over #5 Grizzlies, 4-1. As much as I hoped Memphis would compete in the playoffs, they just didn't finish well enough to make me believe they can pull off the upset.
#6 Spurs over #7 Mavericks, 4-3. Dallas will put up the greatest fight of anybody, but for the second straight year, they are eliminated by the Spurs in seven games.
Conference Finals #6 Spurs over #1 Warriors, 4-2. As impressive as the Warriors have been all year, I think they will have finally met their match in the conference finals. The Spurs take this series and return to their third consecutive Finals as the best 6 seed ever.
Eastern Conference
1st Round
#1 Hawks over #8 Nets, 4-0. The Eastern Conference normally has some of the weaker matchups and this is one of them. I believe Atlanta will get through Brooklyn with ease.
#2 Cavaliers over #7 Celtics, 4-2. This one will prove to be closer than others may think. Boston comes in on a six-game win streak and split the season series with Cleveland. (Although I think the Cavs starters were resting in both wins) Cleveland pulls through in six, maybe seven? I'd also like someone to provide me with Boston's record since the Rondo trade.
#3 Bulls over #6 Bucks, 4-1. I'm a big fan of Jason Kidd and at the beginning of the year I was predicting Milwaukee to crack the Top 8 in the East. (None of my friends listened) However, I can't see them possibly competing in this series.
#5 Wizards over #4 Raptors, 4-3. I really like both of these teams, and even though the Raptors swept the season series with Washington, I still can't trust Toronto quite yet.
Semifinals
#1 Hawks over #5 Wizards, 4-2. The Wizards are tired from their previous series and can't keep up with Atlanta.
#3 Bulls over #2 Cavaliers, 4-3. This is probably just because I hate LeBron, but after all the trash talk that goes on between LeBron and Noah and the Bulls, I think this year Chicago will finally pull it out.
Conference Finals
#1 Hawks over #3 Bulls, 4-1. This will be one of those series that is highly-anticipated by fans and the media, but I think if this were to happen, it would disappoint. The Hawks take this relatively short series.
NBA Finals Hawks over Spurs, 4-2. I don't know who would have the homecourt advantage but I really like Atlanta. I have confidence in them to get past the Eastern Conference, even if they were to face LeBron and the Cavaliers. And you know what? I'll take them over the Spurs, too.
You are out of your mind Hawks don't win the NBA title lol
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