NBA Playoffs Projection Analysis - Day 12-14

Projection Analysis - Day 12-14:

Day 12
Miami over Philadelphia in 6
(Philadelphia should put up a fight.)

Miami closed out game five and was able to find more time to rest. While they took the series 4-1, the series was not one they could set their way on cruise control through. They need to rid themselves of the inconsistent play as they face up against a beaten and broke, yet well rested Boston squad.

San Antonio over Memphis in 5
(Don't be surprised if an upset in six happens!)

The Grizzlies had this game with 2.2 seconds to go and seemingly doing everything in their power, the Grizzlies could not take this win in San Antonio for game five, of course, it may be better for Memphis. This only means more money for Memphis and their first series in franchise history being won at home. It's sad to say, but the Spurs are out. The Grizzlies are just playing too good and definitely not like an eight seed.

Denver over OKC in 6 ---> OKC over Denver in 5
(Why does this have to be a first round match up?)

OKC was solid in this victory in game five and solidified themselves as the team to beat in the west. Denver was one of the hottest teams coming into the series and OKC was able to shut them down, as they stepped up their game and Durant and Westbrook showed that they could be the team of the future. OKC to the championships.

Day 13
Atlanta over Orlando in 6*
(A long shot? Atlanta leads the series 3-1 for good reason.)

Atlanta holds through to follow through on my prediction of the upset. Most people did not believe that Atlanta had what it takes to defeat Orlando, I did and had good reasons for it. Dwight may be headed elsewhere in the near future and Van Gundy may also be parting from Orlando. However, for Atlanta, if they can keep up this play, they'll have a shot against Chicago, especially if Rose is not healthy, however, that is an IF. Atlanta showed their inconsistency in the last game, the same that led to blowout victorious in the year. An injury to Hindrich also will hurt them if he is not at 100%.

Portland over Dallas in 6
(Portland has what it needs to pull off this upset.)

Portland had a shot at taking this one, yet they were not able to pull through for the victory and ultimately handed Dallas the series. Dallas has never been a very good playoff team, but with the addition of a solid player like Tyson Chandler (who improved drastically since being on the USA team), and the play of a veteran in Kidd, it's nice to know that they will give the Lakers a run in the second round, whether the Laker fans believe so or not.

Los Angeles over New Orleans in 5
(Easiest Draw - Hornets)

Los Angeles battled yet easily took this one in six against a rookie coach who didn't respond well to the Lakers in games five and six. Without West (their top scorer and inside presence), the Hornets held their own in a series that was suppose to be a breeze. The struggle should concern Laker fans, of course, there was some hope coming down the stretch as the Lakers punked the Hornets, which gave them their two lopsided victories. They won't have as much success doing this against the Mavericks, at least, I would assume not.

Day 14
San Antonio over Memphis in 5
(Don't be surprised if an upset in six happens!)

I guess secondary guesses can come true. The upset in six happened and a lot had to do with the inside presence of Randolph and Gasol combined with the challenge of the Grizzles. Memphis looked confident out there which is a bad sign for OKC, however, OKC now has inside presence due to the trade, which will help them. I don't see a western championship finals in your future, Memphis, but you will go down in the history books for beating the west number one seed.