Wow. wow. wow. That's how I would describe this year's first round series. Out of 8 matchups, 5 of them went into 7 games. These were surely one of the most exciting series in the recent years, and the best series I have seen in my life. Let's hope the rest of the Playoffs will continue to deliver more breathtaking plays and nerve-racking game winners.
Western Conference
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (5) Portland Trailblazers
The Trailblazers are for real and they proved that by beating the 4th seed Houston Rockets. The pick&roll game between Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge was simply impeccable. James Harden never really found his way in this series, as he was shooting a Playoff career low 37% from the field. Whereas Dwight showed us his improved offensive repertuar. , but it still wasn't enough. Aldridge's first two 40+ games set the tone for the entire series and Lillard's game winner finished it in style.
The series which I thought to end quite fast, turned out to last 7 games. I believed the Spurs would let 1 game to slip away, but I didn't expect them to lose 3 games and fight till the very end. Nevertheless they played really good basketball, it was the Dallas Mavericks team which came out and didn't want to quit without a fight. That's why I believe this series will also last 7 games. The old veterans of the Spurs will be still tired after battling the Mavs, so competing with the Blazers will be an extremely tough job. Matchup wise, the SAS-POR series will be more or less equal, with Damian and Tony, Kawhi and Batum, Wes and Green, Splitter and Lopez and of course Timmy and Aldridge.
Prediction: Portland Trailblazers win 4-3
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (3) Los Angeles Clippers
This series will prove whether or not the new MVP (KD) can get his team past the powerful LA Clippers. Blake Griffin really improved this past summer and you can see that in his play, taking more midrange shots, playing more in the posts, he simply became a very good all around player. I believe the X factor in this series will be the teams bench. It is widely known that the Clippers have one of the best benches in the league and the best 6th man in the NBA (Jamal Crawford), but other guys like Glen Davis, Danny Granger and Darren Collison also have to step up. On the other side we have OKC, and their bench is one of the worst in the league. Jeremy Lamb is not a good option if you're competing in the Playoffs, Reggie Jackson proved that he is a valuable player to keep around, Caron Butler can get you a couple points but his age has started to slow him down, Steven Adams can be a contributor, but he's a rookie so the pressure can eat him alive. I think if OKC loses this series, it will be a sign for them that changes are need to be done. Either trade away Westbrook for a true point guard (like Rondo) and a couple of draft picks/role payers, or fire Scott Brooks. I have seen Russell's play, some headscratching pull up 3s, missed dunks, he sleeps on defence, he'd rather shoot a contested shot than pass to an open teammate. This guy is feels like he can do whatever he wants and that's because his coach allows him to make these types of plays. Russell is an alpha, he wants to be THE man in the team and that just won't work when you're playing with the 2nd best player in the world. I expect Chris Paul to have monster games in this series, he will outplay the entire OKC team, at least twice and will fight for every possession, every lose ball, every rebound and that's because this man is tired of getting knocked out of the playoffs.
Prediction: LA Clippers win 4-2
Eastern Conference
(1) Indiana Pacers vs (5) Washington Wizards
What can I say? This series really depend on Roy Hibbert. If he continues to faul out of games, finishing with 0 points and 0 rebounds, the Washington Wizards will EASILY win. I still can't believe how a guy that's over 7 feet tall not grab a single rebound in a Playoff game? I mean c'mon, during the first week of the season you tweeted that you'll be the Defensive Player Of the Year, people voted you for a frickin' All Star game and now you cannot get just one, single rebound in 25 minutes of play? Damn... For the Wizards, they have to continue to play their game, it is that simple. Nene (unfortunately for me ehh) had his way against the REAL DPOY in Joakim Noah, so I think he will have no problem with West or Hibbert. Gortat has been the most consistent player on this Wizards team for the whole season averaging a double-double every game and frankly in my opinion, Marcin Gortat deserved to be an All Star more than Roy Hibbert. Wall and Beal will outplay their (only a bit) weaker oponents, George Hill and Lance Stephenson. Ariza will have a tough time guarding Paul George, but he is an elite defender and proved also to be a knockdown shooter from deep.
Prediction: Washington Wizards win 4-2
(2) Miami Heat vs (6) Brooklyn Nets
Despite the Heat losing to the Nets 4-0 in the regular season, they still should be able to take this one. Brooklyn just finished a 7 game battle with the Toronto Drakes--I mean Raptors, while the Heat rested after sweeping the Bobcats. At the end of the day the team with the best player in the world (LeBron James) wins the series. The series will still be tough for Miami, as the Nets were formed in a way to beat the Heat, they signed a bunch of veteran role players, and acquired Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, two guys that are filled with hatred towards the Miami Heat players.
Prediction: Miami Heat win 4-2
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