2014 NBA PLAYOFFS: GO HARD OR GO HOME!

It’s that time of year – April- the month when the boys are separated from the men; the pretenders differentiated from the contenders. 16 teams remain, all with one dream, to hoist the NBA trophy and crown themselves kings of the wooden court. The Miami Heat has been judge and jury for the past 2 seasons and will undoubtedly be one of the favorites for this season’s title. Will it be a 3-peat or will Indiana step the pace up en route to championship glory? Will San Antonio be spurred to victory through the wisdom, skill and experience of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli or will Kevin Durrant, Rusell Westbrook & Co. roll the Thunder to the 16 wins necessary to take home the gold? The 2014 NBA Playoffs begin Saturday, April 19^th with a first round encounter between the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors. Here are our predictions for these eight thrilling ‘best-of-seven’ match-ups:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Indiana Pacers v Atlanta Hawks – can’t see this series being won by any team other than Indiana. Sorry Atlanta, you may have gotten the Pacers at a low-point when they have lost six of their last 10 games, but there is just too much star-power and hunger in this Indiana line-up. Look out for monster scoring games by Paul George and Roy Hibbert in this series. As the 7’2 Jamaican-born Centre mentioned on FirstTake on ESPN, “the big dog gotta eat”…Look for the Hawks to be roasted in 5.

Miami Heat v Charlotte Bobcats – so anytime I think of this series the first image that comes to mind is King James holding a giant broom. Uhm, do I smell a series SWEEP? Miami have been out of sorts in recent games but should get back to burning opponents in the playoffs. It’s been a good season Cats, enjoy the playoffs and make your city proud! Heat to rise in 4.

Toronto Raptors v Brooklyn Nets – now this will probably be the most tightly-contested pairing in the first round…in the East that is. The Raptors have improved drastically from last season’s showing to be ranked third in this season’s playoff bracket. The Brooklyn Nets is a newly acquired team of experienced ball handlers. The Big Ticket, The Truth and Derron Williams are all seasoned vets. This may prove decisive in a big pressure moment in a big pressure game. I would not bet my house on this series but I would shoot for the Nets in 7.

Chicago Bulls v Washington Wizards – well it doesn’t take a wizard to figure out who is favorites to win this series. Then again, if you’re a wizard (from Washington) you might just about figure it wrong. With Joachim Noah playing some MVP type ball this season, he may just prove to be the ark needed to sail Chi-town through this first round match-up. Washington has made good progress this season and have a great Wall in their midst. I aint on that Bull but i’m saying the Wizards will be disappearing in 6.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

San Antonio Spurs v Dallas Mavericks – Two of Texas’ three representatives will face off in an epic first round encounter. Eight years ago Dallas was the toast of the town capturing that elusive NBA title with victory over the Miami Heat in a highly entertaining final. Fast forward to 2014 and Dallas may very well not only be the toast of the town but may be grilled, fried and baked by San Antonio if future Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan and his capable allies are allowed to play to their optimum. Dirk Nowitski’s team can be a match for anyone on their day, but the question is…can they have 4 such days? A maverick in the true sense of the word is one that is different and ignores conformity. My predictions are for San Antonio to be riding out on their horses in 5. Its up to Dallas to be true mavericks and show us that these playoffs can be different.

Oklahoma City Thunder v Memphis Grizzlies – what a difference a year makes…well at least to some teams. Whilst the thunder have remained the same ruthless force they’ve been for the past few seasons, the Grizz have fallen off somewhat. Memphis made it to their first ever Western Conference final last year, only to be totally outclassed and outsmarted by the San Antonio Spurs. Can Zack Randolph and his troops march back into championship contention or will K.D. and the Thunder rain on the Grizzlies’ parade? I totally expect the 2014 scoring champion, Kevin Durrant, to take the bears by the scruff of the neck and to knock the stuffing out of them. Don’t be surprised if the big homie averages approximately 30 points, 7 boards and 5 dimes a games during this series. He’s hungry and the table is set for the eating. Thunder to roll in 6.

Los Angeles Clippers v Golden State Warriors – In my opinion, this is the match-up of the first round. Two good teams looking to do good things. Only thing is, just one can advance to the 2^nd round. Steph Curry, Blake Griffin, C.P.3 are all ultimate entertainers and should give viewers very good value for their money. The Clippers have just recorded their best ever regular season record and would love to culminate that success in NBA Championship triumph. Mark Jackson’s warriors will make a golden statement should they eliminate the Clips. A win for Doc Rivers’ L.A. boys would be just as impressive. Looking forward to all 7 games of this amazing series. On a coin toss, I’ll say Warriors to clip the series 4-3.

Houston Rockets v Portland Trailblazers – Houston we have lift off! It’s been a mighty long while since Rocket fans have been this optimistic about their team’s chances of going all the way. Dwight Howard, James Harden, Chandler Parsons and the H-Town Massive have been playing great ball all season and look set to appear as real challengers for the western crown. The Trailblazers though are no pushovers and have done pretty well themselves this season. Honestly I won’t even speak too much about this series…I have supported the Rockets since ’94 and I just want see my boys do well…and progress to the next round. “Houston we have a problem!” uhhm… I better not be hearing that from Mr. McHayle and his staff…I hope we’ll be blazing a trail of success beginning with Portland. I’m predicting the Rockets to take off in 5.