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PLAYOFFS?!
Yes, we are talking about the Playoffs… First round matchups are set. The teams are ready. Let’s go! This Saturday, the NBA Playoffs 2017 will start and it’s gonna be a whole lot of fun. After a historic season with numerous milestones and records, the players will once again try to reach that next level in order to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy! Can the Cavs repeat or will their be a new champion? Take a look at my Playoff Predictions ’17!
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EAST
Boston Celtics:
Thanks to Isiah Thomas‘ rise to superstardom, the Celtics are back at the number 1 spot in the Eastern Conference. Nevertheless, they still have a lot to learn and are probably too inexperienced to win against the Cavs in the Conference Finals. 2018 could be their year though…
Cleveland Cavaliers:
It’s all about LeBron in Cleveland. King James has to find his extra gear in order for the Cavs to reach the Finals again and repeat their 2016 title. They have struggled heavily since the All Star Break and need to turn things around soon, otherwise Boston will be too much of a challenge for the reigning NBA Champions…
Toronto Raptors:
Expected to be the Cavs’ biggest threat in the East, Toronto has lost its momentum from early in the season a bit. Kyle Lowry’s injury has stopped them from reaching the top spot. Lowry and DeRozan will carry them to the second round, but they will not prevail against Cleveland…
Washington Wizards:
The Wizards have one of the best guard tandems in the league. John Wall has always been an elite point guard and great distributor, but Bradley Beal has developed into one of the league’s best shooting guards this year. Led by those two, the Wiz should be able to reach the second round where they will be stopped by the Celtics…
Atlanta Hawks:
Strong team play after the All Star Break has led the Hawks to the number 5 seed in the East. Their lack of a clear cut go-to-guy or superstar player will end their season in the first round and the Wizards will cut Dennis Schröder and company’s wings…
Milwaukee Bucks:
A young and extremely talented team, the Bucks have a bright future ahead of them. This year Giannis Antetokounmpo will have his hands full, especially because of Jabari Parker’s season-ending injury. The Greek Freak and his fellow deer will get bitten by the Raptors and thus eliminated in the first round…
Indiana Pacers:
Paul George is officially back! Indiana’s go-to-guy has rediscovered his mojo and is playing at a superstar level again. Will it be enough to upset Cleveland? I doubt it. The Pacers, although reinvigorated in the second half of the season, will hit the exit in round 1…
Chicago Bulls:
It’s been a long season for the Bulls who have had major ups and downs throughout the year, but in the end they made playoffs. And that’s all they will accomplish. Dwyane Wade has too many miles on his clock and cannot provide Jimmy Butler with the necessary help. Early exit…
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WEST
Golden State Warriors:
Nobody has firepower like the Warriors. Led by their three superstars Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and held together by the versatile Draymond Green, Golden State will roll through the first two rounds. However, I got the feeling that the almighty Spurs will be able to stop the high-scoring Warriors and end their title hopes in the Conference Finals…
San Antonio Spurs:
Gregg Popovich. The mastermind. Maybe the best coach of all time. He is the main reason behind the Spurs’ success. And this one guy named Kawhi Leonard of course. San Antonio plays like no other team in the league. With their almost European teamplay, they will be able to make their way to the NBA Finals once again. At that stage, anything is possible…
Houston Rockets:
MVBeard. James Harden has played a season for the ages this year and should get rewarded with a co-MVP award (together with Russell Westbrook). The Rockets live from their high-octane offense and three-point shooting. Harden’s passing and their hot shooting will lead Houston to the second round, where they will be eliminated by the Spurs…
Los Angeles Clippers:
The Clips will have to bring their A game against Utah, but Chris Paul and company should be able to prevail. They have proven themselves over the years. However they have never managed to make that next step, and they probably won’t this season, losing against Golden State for a second round exit…
Utah Jazz:
Utah has so much potential. Similar to the Milwaukee Bucks, their best has yet to come. Rising star Gordon Hayward and his team will not be able to make it to Round 2 this year, but expect them to become a serious contender in the following years…
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Russell Westbrook is the NBA’s new triple double king! He has averaged a triple double over the course of the regular season, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson in the 1960s to do so and he broke the Big O’s record of 41 triple doubles in a single season while doing so. Sounds like an MVP to me. Nevertheless, the Thunder are not as good of a team that they can beat Houston. First round exit…
Memphis Grizzlies:
Hustle. That’s what the Memphis Grizzlies are all about. Hard work is how the Grizz have built their identity. They are one of the most unpleasant opponents in the league. Although defensive anchor Marc Gasol and his troops will give the Spurs a good fight, it will not be enough and the Grizzlies will have to pack their bags early…
Portland Trail Blazers:
Just like the Wiz, the Portland Trail Blazers have a spectacular guard duo with natural scorer Damian Lillard and his companion CJ McCollum. Both can heat up in a hurry and shoot with the best of them. However, Dame and CJ will be no match for the scorching Warriors. Game over in the first round…
That’s all Folks!