A few NBA Playoff FAQs answered by Chris Cox from The Undersized Basketball Blog in the UK
Which first-round series are you most looking forward to and why?
OKC vs. HOU, the match-up we all wanted to see post-Harden trade. Will the Thunder fear the beard? No, probably not, but watching the Rockets’ run-and-gun offense should be fun.
Who will be the biggest disappointment in the 2013 NBA Playoffs?
I expect the Spurs to sweep the Lakers, for a variety of reasons, so LAL can’t really disappoint me at this stage. If Rose comes back at anything less than 100% it just won’t feel right!
Which team – outside of the Thunder and Spurs – has the best chance of winning the West?
Prior to Gallinari’s injury and before Faried’s ankle became a concern, I would’ve said the Nuggets. Now I’m plumping for the Clippers. CP3 is the third best player in the league and Griffin is a top-5 power forward.
Who can stop the Heat in the East?
The Pacers are the only team who stand any chance, although I don’t think they will. George’s defense could go some way to neutralizing Wade. Hibbert and West should monopolize the play inside the paint. However, a lack of outside shooting will cost them, during dry spells when the offense tightens up. That and the fact that no one can stop LBJ.
Which player will emerge from this year’s playoffs with an enhanced reputation?
Steph Curry. I’ve a sneaking suspicion that the Warriors could be the darlings of the 2013 playoffs. The score-first guard just broke the regular-season three-point record, so confidence isn’t an issue. A couple of 40+ point games and a first-round series win could catapult Curry into the ‘elite’ conversation.
And finally, who will win the NBA Championship?
Miami Heat. They’ve improved and this is now unquestionably LeBron’s league.
Read a full breakdown of Chris Cox post-season predictions, including complete bracket, on the TUB blog: >> click here
Written by: Chris Cox
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