What’s up, GF2 fans! Since the All-Star break is here and there’s no season long fantasy basketball going on, we’re going to try something a little different today. Every year I always find myself looking ahead and seeing what potential first-round playoff matchups we may get to see. In this article, we’re going to take a look at just who would make the playoffs and what seed they would be. Also, we’ll check out some of the key matchups and storylines that might come along with each series.
So, here’s my NBA mid-season playoff scenarios:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Charlotte Hornets
I wouldn’t expect more than a five-game series if these two clubs met up but I do believe that Charlotte could, at least, put up a fight. When healthy, the Hornets have a nice group of young, talented players who can give any team a run for their money on any given night. As long as the core three for Cleveland is healthy, though, I would expect the Cavs to win this series with no problems. I’m hoping Al Jefferson can get healthy and Nicolas Batum can stay healthy because that would be the only way possible the Hornets would even be able to stay close in this one.
Prediction: Cleveland wins 4-1
2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Chicago Bulls
This series intrigues me the most out of all the potential Eastern Conference matchups for this season. When healthy, Chicago is actually a top-three team in the East but have been plagued with injuries all season long. If the Bulls can get healthy and maybe make a splash before the trade deadline, they’d have an awesome chance at grabbing an upset in this series. Right now, their bench just isn’t deep enough to make up for the injuries, which would lead to their demise. The Raptors are playing scary good and are looking to make a statement with their potential first-round matchup. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are quickly becoming one of the best combos in the game, so whoever faces them better watch out.
Prediction: Toronto wins 4-2
3. Boston Celtics vs. 6. Indiana Pacers
By the time the playoffs actually happen these two teams could easily alternate their positions among the standings. For now, Boston is playing as well as anyone in the East and the Pacers have been way too inconsistent thus far this year. In my opinion, Indiana has the edge when it comes to their big men but the Celtics have a better all around squad. This would be a very competitive series that could go the distance, honestly. In the end, I’m rolling with the hot hand on this one and picking the Celtics to continue on!
Prediction: Boston wins 4-3
4. Atlanta Hawks vs. 5. Miami Heat
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I think this series would be where our first “upset” would come from. These are two evenly matched teams that could both get hot at the right time and make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Hawks have been a bit of a disappointment so far this season compared to last year and the Heat are playing better than most people thought they would. I personally feel like Miami has the deeper bench that could lead to them potentially winning a series against the Hawks. Who knows by the time you guys are reading this article, Atlanta could have already traded some key players such has Al Horford and Jeff Teague, which could greatly impact the rest of their season.
Prediction: Miami wins 4-2
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Utah Jazz
I know a lot of people will disagree with me but I just don’t want to see the Warriors break the Chicago Bulls 72-10 record. I love the Splash Brothers and Draymond Green as much as the next guy but I’m a true 90’s Bulls fan. Anyways, this series will be a quick and painful one for the Jazz because they are no match for this excellent Warriors squad. Utah does have some positive things brewing for the future but a first-round clash against Stephen Curry isn’t where they want to be this season.
Prediction: Golden State wins 4-0
2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Portland Trailblazers
Just like the Warriors vs. Jazz series, I’d expect this one to go very similar with the top seed easily advancing. Typically, the Western Conference has the most intriguing matchups but this year seems to be super predictable. In my opinion, there are three elite teams up top and the rest of the clubs are there waiting to be picked off. I say every season that this could be the big three in San Antonio’s last run together but they always prove me wrong. We’re without a doubt on a potential collision course with a Western Conference Finals slugfest between the Spurs and Warriors, which is best for business.
Prediction: San Antonio wins 4-0
3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks
This is the series that hits closest to home for me. I’m a die-hard Mavericks fan that despises the Thunder with a passion, so I’d love nothing more than a first-round meeting with these guys again. Dallas becomes a scary team during playoff time because Rich Carlisle is without a doubt one of the best coaches in the league. If the rumors end up indeed being true, this could be Kevin Durant’s last ride with the Thunder franchise, so it’s either now or never to win his loyal OKC fans a title. My heart so bad wants to pick Dallas to upset the Thunder but I’m too logical of a thinker to do so.
Prediction: Oklahoma City wins 4-2
4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies
No team usually wants to draw Memphis in the first-round of the playoffs due to their scrappy style of play. Unfortunately, with Marc Gasol done for the season this matchup just isn’t near as intriguing for me if it does indeed happen. The Grizzlies could easily fall down a few seeds if not completely out of the playoff picture this year due to the injury. The Clippers have been playing some great basketball without one of their top players in Blake Griffin, so I don’t think they’d have any problems at this point getting by Memphis in a seven-game series.
Prediction: Los Angeles wins 4-1
Well, there you have it, guys, that’s how the first-round of the 2016 NBA playoffs would go if the season started today from my point of view. By looking at the way the cards are falling right now, I’d predict another Warriors vs. Cavaliers finals matchup with Golden State repeating as champs. I do indeed think some of these playoff matchups will change due to trades, injuries, etc. but it’s fun to think about what would happen if it all started today.
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