Man, was it a great 2015-2016 NBA season.
In what many called a record that was unbreakable, the Golden State Warriors defied all odds and finished the season 73-9, breaking the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls’ record of 72-10.
“There is definitely a relief to just be finished with it,” Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said. “But now the real stuff starts, so we have a whole ‘nother challenge, and that relief doesn’t happen until you win a championship.”
This season also concluded the career of an NBA legend, Kobe Bryant. The five-time champion scored 60 points in his final NBA game on Wednesday. Bryant changed the game of basketball with his toughness and the fear he instilled in opposing teams’ eyes.
With Kobe Bryant closing out the season in style, it’s now time for the NBA Playoffs, where 15 teams all have their eyes set on overthrowing the Warriors.
“Last night was the final chapter to an incredible story,” Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said. “I walk away at peace knowing my love for the game & this city (Los Angeles) will never be broken.”
Here are all of my previews and predictions for the first-round matchups:
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Houston Rockets
In a rematch of the 2015 Western Conference Finals, we get to see another matchup of Stephen Curry vs. James Harden. With the Warriors setting the NBA record for 73 wins in a season, expect Golden State to look a little fatigued at times in this series. Houston is riding a three-game winning streak into the playoffs and are looking to capitalize off of Golden State’s tired legs. Houston is the one team that can run up and down the court with the Warriors. However, they didn’t have any success in the regular season as the Dubs swept them 4-0. Expect this to be a fun series, but pretty one-sided.
Prediction: Golden State in 5
2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies suited up an NBA record 28 players this season and still made the playoffs. It’s unfortunate that the Grizzlies aren’t going into the playoffs with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, but every team gets the injury bug every now and then like Oklahoma City last year. The San Antonio Spurs are coming into this series well-rested with the mindset of sweeping the Grizzlies. If the Grizzlies have any chance in this series, they’ve got to trust Lance Stephenson and put him in the starting lineup. Outside of Zach Randolph, Stephenson is the only hope of Memphis rejuvenating any offense. As a Grizzlies fan, I don’t want to see a sweep, but asking for one win is a tall task.
Prediction: San Antonio in 4
3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks
All eyes will be on Kevin Durant this postseason as many expect him to leave the Thunder if OKC doesn’t make the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder would’ve preferred to play the Memphis Grizzlies in this spot as Dallas has several veterans such as Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams that could give the Thunder trouble. All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook led the NBA in triple-doubles this season and he’s in a prime position to dominate a Dallas team that lacks athleticism on the wing. This series could get interesting if Dallas steals one on the road, but I don’t expect the Thunder to have to sweat much.
Prediction: Oklahaoma City in 5
4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Portland Trailblazers
The 4 versus 5 matchup is always the series that has the most upset potential. In the preseason, the Portland Trailblazers were expected to finish towards the bottom of the league after the Blazers lost four starters over the offseason. Damian Lillard took the critics to heart and proved everyone wrong as he, alongside sharpshooter C.J. McCollum, led Portland to a shocking season. Los Angeles just got Blake Griffin back from a quad injury as they look to work him back into shape in this series. This could be a very interesting series as Portland can score the ball very well, but in the end I think the experience of the Clippers will be too much for Portland to overcome.
Prediction: Los Angeles in 6
East
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Detroit Pistons
LeBron James begins his quest to make the NBA Finals for the sixth straight season as the Cavs open up with a tough first-round matchup against the young and hungry Detroit Pistons. The Pistons have been significantly better since they acquired former Magic forward Tobias Harris at the trade deadline. The Cavs are going into the postseason fully healthy and many experts project them to slice their way through the East without much trouble. However, this Detroit team is just as good as any team in the East and they could stir up trouble with their athleticism and strong rebounding. Expect this to be a tougher series than expected for Cleveland.
Prediction: Cleveland in 5
2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Indiana Pacers
The Raptors won a franchise record 56 games during the regular season and finally seem like they are ready to take the next leap. However, they are going up against an experienced Pacers team, led by the humble Paul George, who is back in the playoffs for the first time since breaking his leg. This series has the potential to go down to the wire as both of these teams are similar in a lot of ways. In the end, Toronto matches up better defensively and should be able to dominate inside as the Pacers don’t have a strong frontcourt. It’s going to take Paul George to average 30 plus in this series, but even that may not be enough.
Prediction: Toronto in 6
3. Miami Heat vs. 6. Charlotte Hornets
The Miami Heat got a great seed in the playoffs as they could potentially avoid the Cleveland Cavaliers until the conference finals. However, their first-round opponent is against one of the hottest teams in the league, the Charlotte Hornets. Kemba Walker and Nic Batum have brought a new culture to this Hornets team and Miami is in for a tough series. The Heat aren’t expected to have Chris Bosh back in this series as he is still dealing with a heart issue. Both of these teams match up very well against each other and this could also be a series that goes till the very end. When it’s all said and done, I think Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson lead the Heat to the victory with their experience.
Prediction: Miami in 7
4. Atlanta Hawks vs. 5. Boston Celtics
A lot of people are sleeping on the Atlanta Hawks just like every season. The Hawks are led by their front court of Al Horford and Paul Milsap who cause nightmare matchups for opposing teams. On the other hand, Isaiah Thomas and the Shamrocks are one of the most exciting teams in the league. Boston just doesn’t have a go-to scorer besides Thomas that can get a bucket down the stretch. With all of the key defenders Atlanta has, I think they can stop Boston in four quarters during this series to advance to the next round.
Prediction: Atlanta in 6
