2012 NBA Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs are here.  The regular season bears no meaning come playoff time, it's lose and you go home, win and you move on.  Teams are fatigued and injured yet rejuvenated and humbled by the thought of winning an NBA championship.  In the playoffs anything can happen, I guess that's the beauty of it right?  Well, unless you're the 2011 Spurs or Lakers or Heat who all lost as favorites in their respective match-ups.  But, it's now 2012 and a new champion will be crowned as basketball's best. Who will it be this year?

Below are my predictions for the 1st round match-ups.  I will track my pick record and update my picks according to the playoff schedule.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1. Chicago Bulls

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Pick: Chicago Bulls - Even with Rose out for the season Chicago remains a threat because of their depth and defense.

  

4. Boston Celtics 

5. Atlanta Hawks

Pick: Boston Celtics - Boston is too experienced not to get out of the 1st round.

3. Indiana Pacers

6. Orlando Magic

Pick: Indiana Pacers - Dwight Howard is out for the year and the Magic will struggle without their big man.

2. Miami Heat
7. New York Knicks
Pick: Miami Heat - Lebron James and the Heat are on a mission to not only get back to the finals, but to win it all. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1. San Antonio Spurs
8. Utah Jazz
Pick: San Antonio Spurs - Playing under the radar works for the Spurs who are a bigger threat than many people think.

4. Memphis Grizzlies
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Paul won't let the Clippers lose in the 1st round (not after off-season talks of being a championship contender).

3. Los Angeles Lakers
6. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers - The Lakers won't get beat in the 1st round two years in a row even without Metta World Peace.


2. Oklahoma City Thunder
7. Dallas Mavericks
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder - Dallas got their ring last year but drew a championship favorite in their 1st round match-up.

I will continue to update my 2012 NBA playoff predictions and keep track of my pick record as the games continue.  Be sure to tune in every night to catch some of the action on TNT and/or ESPN and ABC.

I'm taking off, you take it easy.

Bisq