EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS: FIRST ROUND PREVIEW
1 BOSTON v 8 CHICAGO
SEASON SERIES: TIED
2-2
The Boston Celtics, yes, the
Boston Celtics are the #1 seed in the East this year. We are not accustomed to
this especially with King James reigning in Eastern Conference however the tide
has turned at least for one season. The Celtics have captured the #1 seed for
the first time since 2008. Head coach Brad Stevens now in year four has improved
every year since taking over after the Doc Rivers days in Beantown. Year 1
(25), year 2 (40), year 3 (48), and now in year 4 (53) wins, the Celtics have
been on the rise. Their leader may stand at just 5’9 but plays at 6’9 in Isaiah
Thomas. Thomas has been the catalysts of the C’s rise to the top. His (29.1 ppg)
is the most for any Celtic since Larry Bird in (1987-88). Alongside Avery
Bradley, Jae Crowder, and newly acquired Al Horford; Boston ranks 3rd
in assist and 8th in scoring. While Boston has endured their own
number of injuries with significant minutes lost between Crowder and Bradley; youthful
and promising bench players (Amir Johnson, Marcus Smart, and Jaylen Brown) have
provided an average of (30 plus ppg) and some strong minutes on both sides of
the ball.
THOMAS – (29.1 PPG)
(5.9 APG)
HORFORD – (14.0 PPG)
(6.9 RPG)
BRADLEY – (16.4 PPG)
The
Chicago Bulls crept their way into the postseason, winners of (7 of their last
10). Chicago Is back in the playoffs after missing last year (42-40) with an
even worst (.500) record of (41-41) this season. The Bulls had been to the
postseason seven consecutive seasons before the decline a season ago. Even this
year I will not say was a strong performance for 2nd year head coach
Fred Hoiberg who is adjusting through adversity from coaching in college to the
pros. His only constant has been the play of All-Star forward Jimmy Butler.
Butler continues to be a bright spot for a team looking for any bright spots to
fill their roster. Adding Dwayne Wade was a crowd pleaser but an elder Wade has
shown his flashes but father time is catching up to the seasoned vet. Wade
suffered a fractured right elbow on March 16th and was expected to
miss the whole regular season, however Wade made an appearance before the
finale. Also, the Bulls added Rajon Rondo to their roster. Rondo has had out on
social media with Wade and Butler while he has not been a favorite of Hoiberg’s
either, Rondo still can dish it out with the best of them. Chicago traded away
Taj Gibson, but Jerian Grant has played well in his time at point. He with the
addition of Michael Carter-Williams and bringing back Bobby Portis has giving
the Bulls some relief off the bench occasionally. However, the Bulls will only
go as far as Jimmy Butler goes.
BUTLER – (23.9 PPG)
(6.2 RPG) (5.5 APG)
WADE – (18.3 PPG) (4.5
RPG) ((3.8 APG)
LOPEZ – (10.4 PPG)
(6.4 RPG)
With the obvious discrepancy
in wins this season, the Bulls have split the series with Boston this season. While
Butler has posted (20 ppg) and Thomas (24 ppg) versus each other, the reserve
players will need to provide a spark for both clubs. Not even just both benches
which I believe Boston has the better of the two but their role players beside
these two stars will need to play well. Al Horford has been a shell of himself while
posting the likes of under (10p and 10r) per contest of late making that $113
million-dollar contract not as appealing. Robin Lopez and company has done well
against the Celtics in the post. They have won the rebounding battle (+47) and
have done a great job getting points in the paint. Just winning the turnover
battle for whichever team will be key. As well as defending the three which
Chicago has not done well versus Boston. All games have been close except the final
game of their series this season which Boston held Chicago to a season low (6)
points in a quarter and holding Butler/Wade to (13) points combined. Boston has
not won a playoff series since 2012, but that will change quick, fast, and in a
hurry.
PREDICTION: BOSTON IN 6
2 CLEVELAND v 7 INDIANA
SEASON SERIES: CLE
3-1
Three straight (50) win
seasons, three straight division titles and yet the NBA fans, and media are in
uproar over the Cavs recent “collapse” if you may call it. They rank 4th
in scoring and 5th in field goal percentage yet LBJ and company, you
must admit have not looked the same. Since March 1st the Cavs are
(10-14) and on a (4) game losing streak. Even with three elite caliber players
on their roster it could still use some fine tuning, especially defensively. As
of late, these 4th quarter debacles have been embarrassing to say
the least. While only the Nuggets and Lakers are allowing more points per 100 possessions
than the Cavaliers since the All-Star break. Yes, a variety of lineups head
coach Ty Lue has had to go to, with injuries to the likes of JR Smith and Kevin
Love for extensive time and even Tristian Thompson of late. Kyrie Irving has
battled through pain, and the minutes LeBron has logged in year after year may
catch up to the defending champs. After starting the season (28-8) then adding
Kyle Korver, Deron Williams, and Andrew Bogut (for 58 seconds) the Cavs have
gone (23-23). Good thing for Cleveland, they have had their way with the
Pacers.
JAMES – (26.4 PPG)
(8.6 RPG) (8.7 APG)
IRVING – (25.2 PPG)
(5.8 APG)
LOVE – (19.0 PPG)
(11.1 RPG)
The
Indiana Pacers fired then head coach Frank Vogel who had (47) wins with a team
who went half the season without their superstar Paul George and yet enough was
enough for the front office of the Pacers. In comes Nate McMillian who was
under Vogel’s staff as the team needed a “new voice”, words from team president
Larry Bird. The Pacers do have depth on the bench which is beneficial playing a
team with firepower like Cleveland. Indiana physical play down low can help
bruise the bodies of the Cavs who I believe the Pacers can beat up on when taken
advantage of mismatches. Myles Turner and Thad Young are both versatile an athletic
enough to bang in the interior. They just recently brought back Lance Stephenson
while CJ Miles, Rodney Stuckey, and Al Jefferson all average close to
double-figures in scoring. On March 31st Indiana was looking at a
(37-39) record and was skeptical on a playoff berth. However, (5) straight
wins, (50%) field goal shooting and an average of (117.8 ppg) during that span,
the Pacers have turned it around.
GEORGE – (23.6 PPG)
(6.9 RPG) (3.4 APG)
TEAGUE – (15.2 PPG)
(7.8 APG)
TURNER – (14.4 PPG)
(7.3 RPG)
Having the
#2 seed is not a problem for a LeBron James led team. Just that horrific
defense and ranking (30th) in transition defense causes concern for
comfort for most Cavs fans. A positive is the Pacers only beat Cleveland once
this season and LBJ did not play. Followed up with a double-digit win courteous
of Kyle Korver and his 3’s and two more close victories, Cleveland has got the
better part of Indiana. The Pacers have not backed down and have scored at
least (100) points on Cleveland in all four matchups. Jeff Teague has shown
promise but also showed why he is Jeff Teague and has been just average point
guard over the latter part of his career. Teague continues to be a mid-level
play at point guard, but is an upgrade from George Hill. Having Lance
Stephenson could blow some people in the ear the wrong way, no pun intended;
however, the 7th year player brings effort and energy on both ends
of the floor, something a lot of teams need this time of the year. While Paul
George has been on a tear of his own. Before the start of March, PG-13 averaged
(21.7 ppg – 44% FG / 37.7% - 3PT), since March 1st (29.3 ppg – 50% -
FG / 41.8 % - 3PT). Being said McMillian has (4) first round playoff exits in 5
playoff appearances between then Seattle/Portland. I believe that Indiana will
give Cleveland a battle. Switches from Stephenson and George guarding LeBron down
the stretch of games will determine a lot. As well as Myles Turner and Thaddeus
Young battling in the low post with a Cavs team who is reluctant to pound the
ball while spacing the floor. Counter the Pacers inside game while guarding the
Cavs big men on the perimeter will be a key factor in this series too. Channing
Frye has played excellent of late and could be a x factor in the series. However,
I cannot go against the King, not yet at least.
PREDICTION: CAVS IN 6
3 TORONTO v 6 MILWAUKEE
SEASON SERIES: TOR
3-1
The Toronto Raptors are once
again playoff bound capped off by a second straight (50) win season. Each year
the Raptors seem to be in the playoffs but what else will come of it? This
season stealing Serge Ibaka from Orlando and PJ Tucker from Phoenix at the
midway point of the season has helped build a more aggressive and defense approach
to a team who has been known just for ther strength on offense. The backcourt
duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan continue to lead Toronto’s charge into
another postseason. Lowry was banged up for almost (20) games receiving wrist
surgery and in the meantime DeRozan has sparked up the stat sheet. Averaging
career highs in points while playing some point guard as well. He has five (40
point) games to go with thirty-one (30 point) games a Toronto franchise record.
Other than Lowry and DeRozan sometimes the basketball can become stagnant for
Toronto. Tucker and Ibaka are defense specialists and Cory Joseph, Norman
Powell, and Demarre Carroll and company have not been offensive juggernauts.
The Raptors play a lot of isolation ball and catch themselves in one-on-one
situations numerous times per game. That is not a recipe to follow if they aim
to go deep into the playoffs as they rank last in assist.
DEROZAN – (27.1 PPG)
(5.2 RPG) (3.9 APG)
LOWRY – (22.6 PPG)
(7.0 APG) (4.8 RPG)
IBAKA – (14.2 PPG)
(6.8 RPG)
Milwaukee
Bucks have accomplished their 1st winning season since (2009-10).
Credit goes to head coach Jason Kidd helping get the Bucks into the playoffs
for the second time in three seasons but a ton of credit goes to Greek the
Freak. Giannis Antekounmpo is the 5th player in league history to lead
his team in points, rebounds, assist, steals, and blocks all in a single
season. Greek recorded his 8th
career triple-double which is tied for most in franchise history with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Greek always has had the natural gift to produce at a high level however,
losing Jabari Parker to a second ACL injury in three seasons and not having Kris
Middleton for more than half the season will make your productivity sky rocket.
When Middleton returned on February 8th, they loss Parker the same
time. Malcolm Brogdon is not a household name; however, he is averaging (10.2
ppg) and shooting (40%) from three. He also plays both sides of the ball and is
a wild card for Rookie of the Year. Unlike their foe the Raptors, Milwaukee
ranks 5th in assist in the NBA.
ANTEKOUNMPO – (22.9
PPG) (8.8 RPG) (5.4 APG) (52% FG)
MONROE – (11.8 PPG)
(6.6 RPG)
MIDDLETON – (14.2 PPG)
Toronto
is winners of four straight and have a (12-2) record since March 17th.
Toronto in their (3) wins versus the Bucks this season have averaged around
(14.5) points a victory. Even then three of the four matches had Jabari Parker
and they still loss to a more rounded Toronto team. The Raptors shot over (50%)
in their wins against Milwaukee. While Tucker and Patrick Patterson have been shooting
around (40%) from three, they can also help alleviate some pressure off their
backcourt. Greg Monroe has the size, but he lacks as a real dominant post
presence in the paint. He is effective with Brogdon in the 2- man game though
which works well with the Bucks’ Giannis needs to take advantage of getting to
the basket as he is in the top -10 in and one baskets made. By adding PJ Tucker
should help the Raptors defensively handling Greek even though he is a bit
undersized. Milwaukee was at (.500) record wise before the beginning of March
but their ranking of 9th in opponents scoring boosted them to a
(14-4) record through the month of March and exceled them into the playoffs. The
Bucks have not won a playoff series since (2000-01) which is the longest active
drought in the NBA. To be honest that drought will continue at least for one
more season, but the future is bright for the Bucks though.
PREDICTION: TORONTO
IN 6
4
WASHINGTON v 5 ATLANTA
SEASON SERIES: WASH 3-1
The
Washington Wizards claimed a division title for the first time (36) years, an
even then they weren’t even the Wizards, they were the Bullets. A (49) win
season and the Wizards now seem more poised than ever to make a deep postseason
run. This after the Wizards started (2-8) could barely keep the bottom half of
the Verizon Center full, and folks in the DC metro area questioning the hire of
first year head coach Scott Brooks. The combination of Wall/Beal have combined
for almost (50) points a game. Not only that, the Wizards rank 5th
in scoring with (109.3) per game while shooting at extremely high levels from
the field, (47%) which also ranks in the top 5. However, this season they have
a Big 3 on board with Wall, Beal, and Otto Porter Jr. Porter has become more
than a lockdown defender as he has adjusted on the offensive end shooting (51%)
from the field and (43%) from three. Washington’s starting 5 has averaged over
(80) points a contest, while John Wall has led his team in points, assist, and
steals. Now with Kelly Oubre Jr developing his game, Jason Smith off the bench,
adding Bojan Bogdanovic and Brandon Jennings; the Wizards have scorers across the
board. Giving on any game night any one of them can step up.
WALL – (23.1 PPG) (10.7 APG)
BEAL – (23.1 PPG)
PORTER – (13.5 PPG) (6.4 RPG)
Meanwhile in
Atlanta, the Hawks have reached the playoffs for a 10th straight year
with only the Spurs having more current consecutive playoff appearances in the
NBA. It has been a roller coaster year to say the most. The Hawks said goodbye
to the Jeff Teague era, opened arms to the Dennis Schroder process. While also watching
an anchor of their postseason success Al Horford sign with eastern rival Boston
and welcoming home Atlanta native Dwight Howard. Kyle Korver departed for
Cleveland and the Hawks are a completely different team from that (60) wins,
ECF appearance two years ago. In fact, Atlanta has recessed from (60) to (48)
and now (43) wins this season, a slew of injuries including Thabo Sefolosha,
Paul Millsap, and Kent Bazemore have all missed significant time for the Hawks.
With all that said, a (2-6) record during Millsap’s time out, to go with a stretch
of (7) straight losses in the month of March as Atlanta was trending downward.
The return of Millsap and Baze, all-star break trade for Ersan Ilyasova, and the
progression of rookie Taureen Prince have all paid dividends in the Hawks run
to the playoffs. Not to mention the play of Tim Hardaway Jr who has elevated
his game to new heights. Hardaway Jr. I believe is their best all-around and
pure scorer (14.5 ppg)
MILLSAP – (18.2 PPG) (6.1 RPG)
SCHRODER – (18.0 PPG) (6.3 APG)
HOWARD – (13.5 PPG) (12.7 RPG)
This
will be one of the most entertaining match-ups out of the first round in the
East. Washington took the season series but only one game was a true blowout.
Dwight Howard play will be key. He has averaged a double-double for the season
and (14.2p/14.7r) versus the Wizards. The pick and roll game between he and Dennis
Schroder should be a victory for the Hawks. Marcin Gortat for Washington is
horrible defending the pick and roll and lacks mobility guarding out of the paint.
Markieff Morris will have his hands full with Paul Millsap even with Millsap
coming off injury. Otto Porter Jr will be a force to reckon with on both ends
of the floor and may give the Hawks smaller wing players some havoc. The
backcourt will be intriguing between Wall v Schroder and Beal v Hardaway Jr. Controlling
the glass will be a focal point as the Hawks rank 7th in rebounding.
Ian Mahimi will be out for the Wizards which will take one less person out the
paint. While Ilyasova can stretch the floor, and can drain threes on a Wizards
team who other than Porter have been shaky defensively. I still have faith in
the Wall/Beal combo to deliver. Wall is looking for some vengeance after
missing part of the 2014-15 playoff series with a fractured wrist/hand. Paul
Pierce won’t be around to call game this time around but I am calling Washington
for the series.
PREDICTION: WASH IN 7
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