As for my NBA predictions, here we go with my thoughts on the East. Last year, I predicted Orlando would go all the way, guided by the best big man in the league. Obviously, that did not happen. As opposed to what everyone predicted, the Heat actually strode defiantly to the NBA Finals. Shit, they were even the favorites in that series.
With the passing of all the bravado and pomp that was the 2010-11 Miami Heat, we now have that socially endowed rite of passage to Lebron James. Now, since he has tasted the sour twinge of defeat, been buckled by humility, and vilified by the masses, he can now win. I just feel bad for Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
No matter the massive level of hate spewed on the Heat, I resolutely stood for the values of all-around basketball in my support of their championship effort (and possibly due to my undying desire to see the Mavericks be stopped). This uncanny appreciation of good basketball has not changed, and I’m still an ardent supporter of the Heat. Not as a mesmerizing highlight reel, but as a vintage reminder of how the NBA can truly rock your fucking socks off.
Therefore, here are my predictions for the Eastern Conference playoffs:
1) Miami Heat
2) Chicago Bulls
3) New York Knicks
4) Atlanta Hawks
5) Milwaukee Bucks
6)Boston Celtics
7) Indiana Pacers
8) Philadelphia 76ers
The most shocking exclusion from my top 8 is def the Magicians of Orlando, but that is because I truthfully see them entering “rebuilding mode” with a trade that sends Dwight away from Orlando. It is the smart thing to do, at least in terms of the longevity of franchise.
I put Boston as the 6 seed, not because I think they are the 6th best team in the East (prob really the 3rd), but because they will want to avoid Miami in the first/second rounds of the playoffs. This plan will somewhat work, as Boston will defeat NYK in a thrilling bon voyage to Boston, as well as a mindful reminder to New Yorkers that defense still wins.
Boston will not enjoy seeing the Bulls in the next round, who will have easily gotten rid of the same Pacers team that caused them so much worry last year (*I see Indiana as the heavy favorite for the “young team that totally gets overhyped, and then horrbily lives up to such pub). D-Rose is a beast, but this series will be ugly. However, I still give Chi-town the slight edge since they are much, much, younger than Boston (Celtics fans have to be afraid that one of the “big 3″ will not make a healthy playoff run).
Much as Jordan’s Bulls struggled with the Bad Boy Pistons, the Heat present the big bully on the block to D-Rose’s rejuvenated Bulls squad. Miami will easily cruise through the first round, maybe lose a game due to laziness in the 2nd round (not that it matters, but I give Milwaukee the upset special of the playoffs in a 7 game series over ATL), but ultimately enter the conference finals as the favored squad.
While it isn’t too daring to go with everyone’s pick, I still cannot deny the truths I see on the court. Add in Norris Cole at the PG (yes I may be a victim of the moment, but ey this dude has been a baller since college. Check the stats: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norris_Cole_%28basketball%29), and this team is def the most athletic squad in the league. They still lack a true center, but last year Dallas go by without a true PG (just a lot of scorers), so I don’t see this as too big of an hindrance. Add in the likelihood that Miami avoids Tyson Chandler and the Knicks, and it seems quite less of a disturbance to not have a solid 7-foot banger.
Miami takes it, beating OKC in a series that prob will not be as close as we wish (I foresee Westbrook getting a lot of the blame again :/). LeBron get the praise he so greatly wants (and probably deserves), even if some haters will still say that this is and will always be Wade’s squad.
