East Finals:
Heat vs. Pacers
I think this is a match up that all of us have been looking at since last years’ Eastern Conference finals. The Miami will go as far as their health takes them. As long as the Heat are healthy and Dwyane Wade “keys” his inner flash here and there, LeBron James will take care of the rest. My only concern would be the supporting cast. No Mike Miller this year and Shane Battier along with Ray Allen can’t seem to get out of this shooting funk they’ve been in since All Star break.
If there is one team who hates the Miami Heat, it’s the Indiana Pacers. If the Pacers had to go through the Brooklyn Nets I doubt I would have the Pacers in the conference finals. As of late the Pacers just haven’t looked impressive. Even with the roller coaster of emotions that has become the Pacers locker room I still have them in the conference finals; but defense will only get you so far. Losing Danny Granger may be more costly then the Pacers expected. Focus on the task at hand, stop Lance Stephenson and Evan Turner from fighting in practice and go play basketball!
Heat vs. Pacers
I think this is a match up that all of us have been looking at since last years’ Eastern Conference finals. The Miami will go as far as their health takes them. As long as the Heat are healthy and Dwyane Wade “keys” his inner flash here and there, LeBron James will take care of the rest. My only concern would be the supporting cast. No Mike Miller this year and Shane Battier along with Ray Allen can’t seem to get out of this shooting funk they’ve been in since All Star break.
If there is one team who hates the Miami Heat, it’s the Indiana Pacers. If the Pacers had to go through the Brooklyn Nets I doubt I would have the Pacers in the conference finals. As of late the Pacers just haven’t looked impressive. Even with the roller coaster of emotions that has become the Pacers locker room I still have them in the conference finals; but defense will only get you so far. Losing Danny Granger may be more costly then the Pacers expected. Focus on the task at hand, stop Lance Stephenson and Evan Turner from fighting in practice and go play basketball!
Contenders:
If the Brooklyn Nets did not have to face the Heat to get to the Eastern Conference Finals, and had to play the Indiana Pacers instead; I would have them in the Conference Championship versus the Miami Heat. The playoffs are where the veteran play and playoff experience will be “key”, too bad they have to go through Miami. Paul Pierce still hits the big shots when needed and when Joe Johnson and Deron Williams play at the All Star level they are capable of, the Nets are hard to beat. Never count the Nets out though but I’m sure they are missing Brook Lopez right now.
If the Brooklyn Nets did not have to face the Heat to get to the Eastern Conference Finals, and had to play the Indiana Pacers instead; I would have them in the Conference Championship versus the Miami Heat. The playoffs are where the veteran play and playoff experience will be “key”, too bad they have to go through Miami. Paul Pierce still hits the big shots when needed and when Joe Johnson and Deron Williams play at the All Star level they are capable of, the Nets are hard to beat. Never count the Nets out though but I’m sure they are missing Brook Lopez right now.
On The Rise:
Surprise, the Washington Wizards. With this being one of few seasons John Wall has played and started all 82 games; the Wizards had a very impressive regular season. Bringing in veterans like Andre Miller, Marcin Gortat and Trevor Ariza proved to be the right move to guide the younger players who seemed “lost” last year. The Wizards have that “it” factor, that never quit factor and that’s part of having a championship pedigree. If the Wizards can keep core players John Wall, Bradley Beal and Nene Hilario on the same page it makes for an interesting second round match up vs. the Pacers; if both teams take care of business in the first round.
Surprise, the Washington Wizards. With this being one of few seasons John Wall has played and started all 82 games; the Wizards had a very impressive regular season. Bringing in veterans like Andre Miller, Marcin Gortat and Trevor Ariza proved to be the right move to guide the younger players who seemed “lost” last year. The Wizards have that “it” factor, that never quit factor and that’s part of having a championship pedigree. If the Wizards can keep core players John Wall, Bradley Beal and Nene Hilario on the same page it makes for an interesting second round match up vs. the Pacers; if both teams take care of business in the first round.
Happy To Just Be Here:
The Chicago Bulls. Now I know everyone won’t agree with this but I am tired of hearing about their defensive prowess, you have to score to win. Joakim Noah had an awesome year but without Derrick Rose this team won’t have a chance against the Elite in the East or the teams on the rise in the years to come. If I am in the front office I try to build around a healthy D. Rose, Jimmy Butler and maybe Joakim Noah; other than that everyone on that roster is expendable.
The Chicago Bulls. Now I know everyone won’t agree with this but I am tired of hearing about their defensive prowess, you have to score to win. Joakim Noah had an awesome year but without Derrick Rose this team won’t have a chance against the Elite in the East or the teams on the rise in the years to come. If I am in the front office I try to build around a healthy D. Rose, Jimmy Butler and maybe Joakim Noah; other than that everyone on that roster is expendable.