They may be a long way away, but the playoffs are what every team aspires to. Having looked at the individual divisions in depth, and I know look at who I think will be battling for silverware come June.
Eastern Conference
1. Miami Heat (Southestern Division Champions)
2. Chicago Bulls (Central Division Champions)
3. Boston Celtics (Atlantic Division Champions)
4. New York Knicks
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Atlanta Hawks
7. Orlando Magic
8. Philadelphia 76ers
First Round
Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: Miami (4-1)
Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic
Prediction: Chicago (4-0)
Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks
Prediction: Atlanta (4-3)
New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons
Prediction: New York (4-2)
Semifinals
Miami Heat vs New York Knicks
Prediction: Miami (4-1)
Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks
Prediction: Chicago (4-2)
Conference Finals
Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls
Prediction: Miami (4-2)
I predict a repeat of last year's Conference Finals, with the heat once again going to the big dance. The Hawks will have a good run, while the Celtics stumble.
Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Clippers (Pacific Division Champions)
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (Northwest Division Champions)
3. Memphis Grizzlies (Southwest Division Champions)
4. Los Angeles Lakers
5. San Antonio Spurs
6. Dallas Mavericks
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. Phoenix Suns
First Round
Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers (4-1)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers
Prediction: Oklahoma City (4-0)
Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks
Prediction: Memphis (4-3) - with at least 2 overtime games
Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)
Semifinals
Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers (4-3)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies
Prediction: Oklahoma City (4-1)
Conference Finals
Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Prediction: Oklahoma City (4-1)
The Lakers will come good late in the season, especially if they obtain Dwight Howard from Orlando, but the Thunder will be flying. Youth is on their side, and after tasting the conference finals last year, they willbe desperate to go one further. The Clippers will fall short but will be back, while the Suns and Blazers will do well to just make up the numbers.
NBA Finals
Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder (4-2)
The Thunder are my (maybe surprise) pick to win it all. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka may not quite have the name value of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, but they have just about as much talent. The Heat will choke in the finals again, but I do feel their time will come. It's going to be a good season.
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