NBA Playoff Predictions

We're about halfway through the first round of this year's playoffs and I can honestly say it hasn't been too exciting.  Golden State is already in round two, and there are a few other series that look like they will only last the minimum of 4 games.  The Eastern Conference series has been a huge yawn and it looks like the Hawks, Cavs, Wizards, and Bulls can all advance in 5 games or less.  The one series that has potential to go 7 is the Spurs - Clippers series.  I'm going to predict the NBA Finals matchup, the winner, and the Finals MVP

Western Conference

The west is completely up for grabs.  Most experts are saying that Golden State may not be able to be beaten, but the Spurs, Rockets, and Grizzlies can also make a strong push.  I am picking the Spurs to make it out of the West.  The combination of Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan playing like he didn't just turn 39 yesterday, and the DPOY Kawhi Leonard will be too much for the West yet again.  They will most likely have to go through the Clippers, Rockets, and then the Warriors which is a brutal road to the NBA Finals.  Hopefully we get the Western Conference Finals matchup of Spurs vs. Warriors which everyone would love to see.


Eastern Conference

The picture is more clear in the East.  The only teams that I can see making a push are the Cavs, Hawks, and Bulls in that order.  The Hawks look like they will have the easier second round matchup if they get past Brooklyn, while Cleveland will have to battle Chicago.  I'm staying away from the trendy pick again and am going with the Atlanta Hawks to come out of the East.  Cleveland and Chicago will beat each other up a bit giving Atlanta the small advantage they will need to make a surprising trip to the NBA Finals.  People just don't believe in these Hawks.  Maybe  it is because they don't have a superstar, but they play together, and can go toe-to-toe with anybody.


NBA Finals

I got the San Antonio Spurs winning back-to-back titles.  Spurs over Hawks in 5.  If not for a Ray Allen three-pointer, this could have been the Spurs third straight title. But either way the dynasty continues.  The Spurs will prove to be too much and their experience will be a huge advantage that Atlanta will not be able to overcome.

NBA Finals MVP-

Kawhi Leonard.  The Defensive Player of the Year will also take home the NBA Finals MVP.  The 23 year old continues to develop into one of the brightest young superstars in today's game.