This weekend the 2011 NBA Playoffs get underway. This season has been regarded as one of the most exciting and drama filled NBA seasons in recent memory. It was a season that saw major trades go down, and whining superstars get what they want. It was a season in which men cried and twitter became a forum for trash talk. What will the playoffs bring? Let’s take a look at some of the matchups.
Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers
This playoff series marks the first time these two teams have met in the playoffs since 1998. And much like 1998, the Bulls still have the better team and an unstoppable force in Derrick Rose. The Pacers don’t have an answer for Rose, in fact, they don’t have an answer for the entire Bulls team. I’ll be surprised if the Pacers steal even one game. This one has sweep written all over it.
Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers
Miami can be happy with their regular season, they silenced many of their critics finishing ahead of Boston in the East, but they haven’t gained anyone’s confidence that they can dominate in the playoffs. Miami doesn’t look like a playoff team. They still lack inside scoring and a consistent and productive half-court offense.
The 76ers are one of the surprise teams in the NBA this season. Under the direction of Coach of the Year candidate, Doug Collins, the 76ers have become a solid basketball team and they will likely be able to steal at least one from the Heat. They don’t have the depth or talent to compete with the likes of Wade, Bosh and James, but this team will battle. Heat in five.
Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks
Can’t wait for this series to start. It will be so good to see playoff basketball being played at the Garden. Don’t expect the Knicks to pull off the upset though, this team has been inconsistent all season long and they’re not nearly as battle tested as a unit as the Celtics.
Boston might drop at least two games in this series, before closing it out. The Knicks have no bench and that will be their Achilles heel in this series. Celtics in six.
Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks
Let’s hope we don’t a get a repeat performance like we have seen from the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs. In the past two years, the Atlanta Hawks have been so incredibly terrible in the playoffs they were actually painful to watch.
This year things could be different. The team has tried to change the culture and they should feel confident about their chances of beating the Magic. The Hawks were able to win the regular season series against the Magic, but don’t expect them to pull the upset in the playoffs. The Magic have home court advantage and Dwight Howard is a beast. This one could go back and forth, but I like the Magic in 7.
Who do you like?
