2012-2013 NBA Playoff Predictions

Courtesy of Inner-City Newspaper

As an exhilarating 2012-13 NBA season comes to a close, the playoffs are right around the corner. This is a breakdown of the likely first round matchups, based on the standings as of April 16.
Miami vs. Milwaukee: This series could potentially be a sweep. Miami is the defending champion, and they have the best record in the NBA. On the other hand, Milwaukee has a losing record and greatly benefited from a weak Eastern Conference. The Bucks score 4 points less per game than the Heat, and allow 5 more. Miami's two best scorers are LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, who are far more intimidating than Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings. The Bucks have talent, but they would only have a chance if they were clicking on all cylinders. This is clearly not the case considering that Jennings recently criticized the head coach for singling him out. Ellis' willpower will lead to one win for Milwaukee, but no more. Miami in 5.
New York vs. Boston: Ahh, nothing like a good old hate-filled rivalry. Two years ago, the Celtics embarrassed the Knicks by sweeping them out of the first round of the playoffs. Today, these two teams look completely different. New York has looked unstoppable as of late, while Boston has struggled to stay afloat due to age and injuries. One player can make a huge difference in a series like this, so the fact that Carmelo Anthony has almost 10 points per game more than Boston's lead scorer is hugely significant. The two teams are pretty close in terms of points scored and allowed per game, but this series will come down to star power. Boston has no chance without Rajon Rondo. Not to mention the Knicks now have Kenyon Martin, who will put an end to any Kevin Garnett trash talk. Boston has too much pride to be humiliated, but the Knicks are too good. New York in 6.
Indiana vs. Chicago: At one point in time, Indiana seemed to be the biggest threat to Miami in the East. That does not seem to be the case anymore. They have been stumbling a bit lately, losing 4 of 6. Indiana's biggest asset is their size, but Chicago matches up best against them in that regard. This will be a very close series, but the edge will go to the better big man tandem. Indiana's Paul George had a breakout season this year, but he has never been called upon on a stage as big as the playoffs. The Bulls, however, have some major holes. They are the third best team in the league defensively, but the second worst offensively. Their lack of offensive firepower will be their undoing, although Nate Robinson has done an admirable job of filling in for Derrick Rose. Indiana in 6.
Brooklyn vs. Atlanta: Another intriguing first round matchup. Both teams are almost even in terms of points scored and allowed. Both teams have a dominant center (Brook Lopez for Brooklyn, and Al Horford for Atlanta). Both teams have solid point guard play. The Nets will have the biggest star on the floor in Deron Williams, but he has never experienced the pressure he will face in the playoffs. For Atlanta, they have been spreading the scoring around, but they do not have a superstar who can take over when needed. In order for the Hawks to win, Al Horford and Josh Smith will have to completely command the paint. In a series like this, it will come down to who wants it more. The Nets want to validate the success they had this year in Brooklyn, whereas the Hawks never seem to gel in the playoffs. Not to mention that Joe Johnson will be looking for vengeance on the team that ran him out of town. Brooklyn in 7.
Oklahoma City vs. LA Lakers: The Lakers have no chance since Kobe Bryant is out for the next 6-9 months. This does not mean they will lay down. Their recent win against San Antonio shows that they have the heart to compete without Kobe. But the Thunder are just too talented. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are the best scoring tandem in the league, averaging 28.1 and 23.4 points per game respectively. Their point differential is close to ten. On the other hand, the Lakers allow 101 points per game. They have two very talented big men in Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol. This is the only area where they have an advantage, but the Thunder have enough size to circumvent it. Emotion will allow LA to win one, but the Thunder are simply better. OKC in 5.
San Antonio vs. Houston: For the Rockets to have any chance whatsoever, James Harden will have to play out of his mind. Jeremy Lin is a solid point guard, but Chandler Parsons and Carlos Delfino do not evoke fear in anyone. The Spurs are a far better defensive team than Houston, and that will be the difference. Harden's 25.9 points a game are fantastic, but he will average less than that during this series. It's unclear how effective Manu Ginobili is going to be due to his hamstring injury, but it is likely that Tony Parker and Tim Duncan can pick up the slack offensively. The Rockets are younger and should be able to outrun San Antonio, but the Spurs' experience will prevail. Also, this is exactly why Gregg Poppovic likes to rest his starters. To keep them fresh for the playoffs. San Antonio in 6. Denver vs. Golden State: The Warriors might be the biggest underdog in the playoffs, but this is the best matchup for them. The Nuggets are deep, but lack a superstar. That does not bode well come playoff time. Also, the Nuggets have been banged up. Danilo Gallinari is out for the year, while Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried might not be healthy to start the series. If Faried is not completely healthy, Denver will have trouble with David Lee and Andrew Bogut. Although the Nuggets do score more points, the Warriors have more offensive weapons. No one on Denver can stop Stephen Curry. Possibly Andre Iguodala. Denver is the higher seed, but they seem to be built for the regular season. The Warriors will continue their dream season and shock the Nuggets. Golden State in 7.
LA Clippers vs. Memphis: Lately there have been murmurs that both Chris Paul and coach Vinny Del Negro are losing the team. The Clippers had struggled a bit, but they seem to have gotten their mojo back in the last few games. Los Angeles definitely seems like the better team right now, but Memphis matches up well. Both teams have great big men, but Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph have more complete games than Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Unfortunately, the biggest problem the Grizzlies face is their poor perimeter play. They are dead last in the league in 3-pointers made, and 24th in 3-point percentage. This means that they will have shooting slumps at certain points in this series. The Clippers are deeper, have possibly the best point guard in the game, and are far better offensively. Memphis' bigs are the only chance they have, but they simply will not be able to score enough. LA in 6.