2012 NBA PLAYOFFS: EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers
SEASON SERIES: Bulls won 2-1
ANALYSIS: The Chicago Bulls won the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed for the second year in a row despite nagging injuries to reigning Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose. Limited to 39 games, Rose only averaged 21.8 points and 7.9 assists per game but never missed a beat thanks to their stifling defense. The Bulls gave up 88.2 points per game and had a defensive rating—points per 100 possessions—of 98.3, both lower than last season.


The Philadelphia 76ers looked as if they would take a huge leap forward after leading the Atlantic Division for most of the year, but they faded all the way down to the No. 8 seed following a 20-9 start to the season. They started so hot thanks to their defense as it allowed 89.4 points per game and 99.2 per 100 possessions—both good for third in the NBA. However, their 15-24 finish was a cause of not having enough offense. Lou Williams led Philadelphia with 14.9 points per game and Andre Iguodala continued to be a good, all-around player.
PREDICTION: Bulls in 5.


Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks
SEASON SERIES: Heat won 3-0
ANALYSIS: The Miami Heat is a team on a mission after losing in the NBA Finals last year. Miami is again the No. 2 seed in the East, but they are still a juggernaut on both sides of the ball. Leading that charge is LeBron James, who could be the favorite to this year’s MVP award. James averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.9 steals this year as he, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh seek the elusive title that slipped away last year.


The New York Knicks had a crazy season, but then again, what else would you expect from the Big Apple? A coaching change, the rise of an unknown player, two stars still trying to mesh, you name it! But the Knicks have played well as of late—going 18-6 and playing better defense under Mike Woodson. Carmelo Anthony’s 22.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game is good, but he has turned his game up this April by averaging 29.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.  
PREDICTION: Heat in 6.


Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic
SEASON SERIES: Magic won 3-1
ANALYSIS: Since taking over midway during the 2010-11 season, Frank Vogel has coached up the Indiana Pacers to a very good young team with much potential. This season, they jumped all the way up to the No. 3 seed in the East, thanks to a solid core of players who stayed healthy for most of the season. Danny Granger had 18.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while All-Star Roy Hibbert improved his offensive rebounding and swatted away 128 shots.


The Orlando Magic finished with the No. 6 seed in the East, but they had to suffer through a “Dwightmare” to get to it. While Dwight Howard was a bit of a distraction off of the court, he played well on the court. However, he will miss the playoffs due to his back. However, Ryan Anderson will pick up the slack left behind by Howard. Anderson improved his game this season by averaging 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while being a great 3-point shooter in the process.
PREDICTION: Pacers in 5.


Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
SEASON SERIES: Celtics won 2-1
ANALYSIS: Nearly left for dead at the All-Star break, the Boston Celtics staved off a rebuilding phase at the trading deadline to win their fifth consecutive Atlantic Division title. Boston continues to have the experience in its terrific trio of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, but it is Rajon Rondo who continues to progress as one of the NBA’s elite point guards. During his current 23-game streak with at least 10 assists, Rondo is averaging 13.8 dimes, 9.8 points and 1.9 steals per game.


The Atlanta Hawks are back yet again in the playoffs and they will have home-court advantage in this series. The Hawks allowed the sixth fewest points this season (93.2 PPG) and will be looking to advance into the second round for the fourth straight year. To do so, Atlanta will look to the complete game of Josh Smith, who averaged 18.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.
PREDICTION: Celtics in 6.

2011 NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat

ANALYSIS: How big is this step for the Chicago Bulls? Well, it is the first time the Bulls have made the Eastern Conference Finals since 1998—Michael Jordan’s last year in Chicago. Derrick Rose showed why he was the Most Valuable Player this season in Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks with a 44-point, seven-assist performance. Although the Bulls looked timid under the spotlight this postseason, Chicago closed out the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta extremely well, winning by at least 20 points on both occasions.

The Miami Heat might have eliminated their biggest hurdle in the Boston Celtics, but they know that trophies are not given to teams that win the conference semifinals. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have had their troubles during the season, but both have weathered the storm quite well. They are halfway there, but if they can keep up this determination, an NBA title is theirs.
SEASON SERIES: Bulls won, 3-0 (all three games decided by four points or less)
KEY MATCHUP: Dwyane Wade vs. Derrick Rose (The two Chicagoans square off in a battle to who can make their home city proud.)

POSITION SHOWDOWNS

PG: Derrick Rose vs. Mike Bibby
ADVANTAGE: Derrick Rose
-Mike Bibby will have his work cut out for him in guarding the 2010-11 NBA Most Valuable Player, Derrick Rose. Rose is averaging 28.8 points per game during the playoffs and has led the Bulls to their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 1998. Bibby will get the start, but expect Mario Chalmers to get most of the time running the point.

SG: Keith Bogans vs. Dwyane Wade
ADVANTAGE: Dwyane Wade
-This is another matchup where an NBA superstar will see a platoon of players guarding him. Wade has the advantage here based on the ability to take over a game on both sides of the ball. His 7.6 rebounds per game this postseason are the most he has had in any playoffs and he can get that steal or block to shift momentum. Bogans will share time with Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer to hopefully try to stop Wade from going off.

SF: Luol Deng vs. LeBron James
ADVANTAGE: LeBron James
-If there is a great matchup based solely on positions, this is it. Deng has emerged as the Bulls’ secondary scoring option with 16.7 points per game, but James wins here based on his ability to tally double-doubles or even triple-doubles. His assists are down from the regular season, but LeBron is still averaging 26.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Nevertheless, this will be a good battle.

PF: Carlos Boozer vs. Chris Bosh
ADVANTAGE: Carlos Boozer
-Can either of these 2008 goal medal Olympians shake off recent bad games? Boozer finally woke up with 23 points and 10 rebounds in Game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks, while Bosh posted back-to-back double-doubles in Games 4 and 5 against the Boston Celtics. If Boozer can shake his cold shooting, the matchup is his.

C: Joakim Noah vs. Joel Anthony
ADVANTAGE: Joakim Noah
-Between him and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anthony has really stepped up to be Heat’s premier center. His breakout performance of 12 points and 11 rebounds in Game 3 against the Celtics earned him the start in the series’ final two games. With that said, Anthony will face a different test in Noah. Noah is making his presence felt on the glass and the paint, averaging 10.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks this postseason.

BENCH: Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat
ADVANTAGE: Chicago Bulls
-Chicago’s “Bench Mob” played great in the playoffs thus far as Taj Gibson provided great defense and Kyle Korver knocked down critical 3-pointers to keep Chicago in games during the playoffs. One cannot count out the hot shooting of James Jones and the backup leadership of Mario Chalmers for the Heat’s second stringers. The Bulls have a slight advantage due to more players that can do damage, but Miami does have some experienced bench players in Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard.

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 5 (This series will likely be tied here.)
PREDICTION: Heat in 6. (The Bulls are a very good squad that plays defense extremely well, but the duo of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are determined to give Miami its second NBA title. Expect a good series that will go six or seven games.)

2011 NBA PLAYOFFS: THE CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks

ANALYSIS: The Chicago Bulls took care of the Indiana Pacers in five games, but it certainly was not easy. Indiana gave the Bulls a run for their money in every game except the deciding Game 5. If Chicago wants to advance even further in the playoffs, Carlos Boozer needs to improve on his offense from the first round (10.0 PPG on 35.8 percent shooting).

The Atlanta Hawks finally defeated a top-tier team in the Orlando Magic, but there is still cause for concern. The Hawks blew a chance to close out Orlando in Game 5, but lost by 25 before beating the Magic in six games. If Atlanta can play like they did for most of the first round and actually show up, they can give the Bulls some fits.

SEASON SERIES: Bulls won, 2-1

PREDICTION: Bulls in 5

KEY MATCHUP: Joakim Noah vs. Al Horford (The two former championship-winning teammates at Florida square off the rights to reach the NBA’s “Final Four”. It will be interesting to see them both battle it out for rebounds in the paint.)

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (Are the Bulls ready for the spotlight? Were Chicago’s struggles with Indiana a factor of the Pacers playing hard or the Bulls taking them lightly? Can the Hawks exercise their second round demons? There are so many burning questions here.)

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

ANALYSIS: The Miami Heat passed their first test with flying colors and now are “ready for lunch,” according to LeBron James. In its 4-1 first round victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami held their opponent to 86.6 points per game and the Big Three looked well together, with each getting a double-double in Game 5. However, The Heat’s only concern is who takes the last shot. They better figure it out in a hurry, because this series will have a good share of close games.

The Boston Celtics achieved a first in the Big Three era when they swept the New York Knicks in the first round. Manhandling a Knicks squad that had Amar’e Stoudemire dinged up and Chauncey Billups unavailable for the final three games, Boston was business as normal and executed its plan soundly. The concern here is how the Celtics will fare in this series without Kendrick Perkins. Will they dominate like they did in the first three regular season meetings or is the lone loss a sign of how this series will play out?

SEASON SERIES: Celtics won, 3-1

PREDICTION: Celtics in 6

KEY MATCHUP: James/Wade/Bosh vs. Pierce/Allen/Garnett (This is the marquee matchup that everyone wants to see. Whichever team’s terrific trio stands out more and gets more help from role players has the best chance to win.)

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 5 (If the series is tied at 2-2, whoever wins this game will likely win this series.)

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies

ANALYSIS: The Oklahoma City Thunder won their first playoff series since moving away from Seattle after putting away Denver in 5 games. Kevin Durant showed every reason why he is considered to be an elite player in the NBA with his 32.4 points per game in the series and a 41-point Game 5. Durant and Russell Westbrook must learn work together though if the Thunder want to continue to grow and reach their potential.

The Memphis Grizzlies stunned most basketball fans with its six-game upset over the San Antonio Spurs, the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed. Memphis clearly was not affected with the loss of Rudy Gay, as Zach Randolph stepped in and put the team on his back with 21.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. The Grizzlies’ high energy and tough defense makes them a force not only just now, but possibly in the years to come.

SEASON SERIES: Grizzlies won, 3-1

PREDICTION: Thunder in 7

KEY MATCHUP: Serge Ibaka vs. Zach Randolph (Ibaka swatted shots left and right during the series against Denver, while Randolph was a huge scoring and rebounding presence against San Antonio. Does Ibaka continue with his blocks or will Randolph continue to dominate inside?)

PIVOTAL GAME: Game 7 (This series will be high in energy and excitement. It will be a joy to watch.)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks

ANALYSIS: The Los Angeles Lakers were able to hold off a tough and determined New Orleans Hornets team in six games during the first round. Los Angeles may have looked sluggish in Games 1 and 4 against but they showed the determination of a champion with double-digit wins in the final two games. The Lakers need Pau Gasol to bounce back from a so-so first round which he averaged 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

The Dallas Mavericks survived their first round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers thanks to their determination and Jason Kidd turning back the clock and draining down three-pointers. However, the Mavericks must close out games and not let a 23-point fourth quarter collapse happen again like it did in Game 4 against Portland. Dallas has the ability to match up well with the Lakers, so players like Tyson Chandler must establish the paint early and well.

SEASON SERIES: Lakers won, 2-1

PREDICTION: Mavericks in 6

KEY MATCHUP: both teams’ front lines (Many teams have not matched the Lakers’ lengthy front line of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, but the Mavericks have their own to counter it. Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood and Dirk Nowitzki must be effective here.)

PIVOTAL GAME: Games 1 and 4 (The Lakers or any Phil Jackson led-team know what a Game 1 or a Game 5 means. Phil Jackson is 48-0 whenever he wins the first game of a series. Another stat that favors the Lakers is that they are 20-0 at home in Game 5 when the series is tied 2-2. In order for Dallas to win, they must jump out ahead early or they will lose this series.)

2011 NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers

ANALYSIS: Everyone predicted the Chicago Bulls to be good in the Eastern Conference for the future, but no one predicted that they would be this good, this soon. First-year head coach Tom Thibodeau instilled a defensive mindset on this team and it has made Derrick Rose the frontrunner for Most Valuable Player.

The Indiana Pacers are finally in the playoffs for the first time since 2006 amidst a midseason coaching change. Frank Vogel became interim head coach Jan. 30 and Indiana went 20-17 with him at the helm. The Pacers are led by Danny Granger, who continues to be one of the league’s more underrated players.
SEASON SERIES: Bulls won, 3-1
PREDICTION: Bulls in 4
KEY MATCHUP: Joakim Noah vs. Roy Hibbert (While seeing Rose and Granger go off on in a scoring shootout is fun, the real focus will be in the paint between Noah and Hibbert. When healthy, Noah is the Bulls’ best rebounder and averaging a double-double for the second consecutive year. On the other hand, Hibbert is an underrated shot blocker, averaging 1.8 blocks a game.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (OK, while this series has a potential sweep written all over it, it will be interesting to see how Indiana comes out of the gate. If they come out firing, they could steal a game. If not, it will be a long four games for the Pacers)

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers

ANALYSIS: After an interesting first regular season together, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh now get a chance to prove it when it counts. Miami’s Big Three overcame many rough patches during the season and still managed to notch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. With Wade, James and Bosh being the only Heat players to score in double-digits this year, someone else needs to step up to help out.

The Philadelphia 76ers started the 2010-11 season 3-11, but steadily turned things around thanks to veteran head coach Doug Collins. Collins left TNT’s broadcasting team during the offseason and he did a remarkable job by guiding this team to a .500 record
SEASON SERIES: Heat won, 3-0
PREDICTION: Heat in 6
KEY MATCHUP: Wade/James vs. Andre Iguodala (The burning question will be who locks down on Iguodala at all times. If it is based on size, then it is Wade. However if position comes into play, James gets the nod. If the Heat cannot close a particular game, Philadelphia’s other A.I. is more than capable enough to close out a game.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 3 (The last two times the Sixers made the playoffs, they surprisingly took a 2-1 lead against an Eastern Conference contender each time. Given that this is Miami’s first playoff appearance with this core, it is possible that Philadelphia could sneak away with a game or two. Do not be surprised if the 76ers stick around in this series.)

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

ANALYSIS: The Boston Celtics are back in the playoffs, but Kendrick Perkins’ midseason departure means that Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal will need to step up. The Celtics may have faltered down the stretch but they are still dangerous with their playoff experience.

After a seven-year absence, there will be playoff basketball in Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks mirrored the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat by assembling their own Big Three of Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, and Chauncey Billups. Despite growing pains, this terrific trio ended the season on a hot streak, winning seven of their last nine games.
SEASON SERIES: Celtics won, 4-0
PREDICTION: Celtics in 5
KEY MATCHUP: Boston’s defense vs. New York’s high-tempo offense (The Celtics may miss Kendrick Perkins, but they still have a tough defense that can contain New York’s high-scoring offense. If Boston keeps the scoring down in the mid-90s or less, they will win. If it is a track meet, the outcome favors the Knicks much, much more.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 3 (In order for the Knicks to have a shot at winning this series, they must have at least one win at this point.)

Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks

ANALYSIS: The Orlando Magic retooled again this season by getting rid of Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter, while taking in Gilbert Arenas and welcoming back Hedo Turkoglu. However, in spite of all these changes, the Magic still are dangerous thanks to Dwight Howard.

The Atlanta Hawks are an interesting story. In 2008, they took Boston to seven games in the first round, but did not really impress anyone over the last two playoff appearances. The shocking thing is that they resigned Joe Johnson in the offseason, but traded away Mike Bibby during this season. The Hawks must show a little heart if they want to advance.
SEASON SERIES: Hawks won, 3-1
PREDICTION: Magic in 6
KEY MATCHUP: Orlando’s new parts vs. the Hawks willingness to play (An embarrassment was not even the word to describe last year’s Magic/Hawks series in the East semifinals. Crazy thing is that it was the Magic that underwent wholesale changes between then and now. The Hawks won season series, but it depends on them showing up.)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 3 (This will be the first game in Atlanta, and the Hawks cannot lay an egg here. They may survive here though, because this Magic squad is not as good as the last two years. However if they do not, the Hawks will need to make wholesale changes in the offseason.)