Welcome to the unofficial year 1 playoff preview. Here we are again folks, ready to crown another champion over the next week. This thing appears to be wide open this season with several teams who you could make the argument for winning it all. Let's take a look at the first round best of 3 matchups. I'll start in the west and move towards the east.

1. Golden State vs 8. LA Clippers

Envy joined late so it was determined that Crax would get a bye here. I agree with that decision since Envy wasn't there long enough to "earn" it. I look forward to Envy getting a fresh start for year 2 with all his games open instead of just a few. GSW advance to 2nd round as a result.


4. Houston vs 5. Denver

This would have been a great matchup but it doesn't appear it will take place based on my initial assessment. Luka is busy this week with real life circumstances and the Denver coach has PSN issues. I did notice the Nugs coach signed into PSN late on Tuesday so perhaps he found a resolution to his problem. Either way, its a shame if this series goes to sim because it's about as even as it gets. I predict Denver wins the sim.

3. Dallas vs 6. LA Lakers

This should be a fun matchup for these coaches. I believe this series will get played and I believe it will be closer than the experts think. Obviously the Lakers are the favorite, regardless of their 6th seed status. Paul started playing better late in the season and he's got too much talent to lose this series. I think Dallas has a good shot to steal game 1 but I'll still take the Lakers to win the series.

2. Minnesota vs 7. OKC

We have a CPU matchup here it appears and even though the CPU has been outmatched this season the Thunder CPU is likely one of the more dangerous teams out there. I don't think it will be enough to get by a very solid Minnesota team, who by all indications and predictions greatly over-achieved this season. The dream continues for Minnesota but it will come crashing down in the 2nd round in all likely hood.
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1. Miami vs 8. Indiana

Miami has already advanced into round 2 but obviously I would have picked the Heat here.


4. Chicago vs 5. Philly

I hope this series gets played and I believe it will unless KJ doesn't wake up in the next 24 hours. This should be highly competitive and the winner of this series has a real chance to beat the Heat next round. The Sixers won the regular season matchup against Chicago but I suspect KJ will dial up the intensity in the playoffs. This is truly #bodybag season for DRose and company. I still like Philly's chances here because of their defense and reliable offense. The offense isn't great but LMA is as good as there is in ISBA and they've got enough role players to keep you honest on the outside. Philly wins the series in 3 games.


3. Boston vs 6. Toronto

I'm giving the Raptors zero chance to win the series but I give them a very legit chance of winning a game. Sukan has improved as the season progressed. His game will rise to the playoff occasion and Boston won't be completely focused on this series. Ante thinks he has a championship team so there's a look ahead factor in play here. Toronto will give them hell in either game 1 or 2 but ultimately lose in a sweep most likely. It was a reasonable season for Sukan and something he can build off going into year 2.


2. Brooklyn vs 7. New York

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy the two teams from New York are going to duel it out in the first round of the playoffs. It should be a great series with two evenly matched teams. Brooklyn won the lone regular season matchup but you can throw that out the window. I'm not going to make a prediction of my own series but I'm looking forward to playing Justin because of the respect and admiration I have for him. He's one of the class acts in ISBA and win, lose, or draw it will be fun. That's all a guy can ask for.
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That will do it for the first round predictions. Let's not be a bunch of douches and actually get some games in soon so Miami and Philly can have a shot before they go on their temporarily breaks from the OA. Good luck and have fun.

Great preview Bryan. Battle NY would be fun to watch. :twisted:

Nice. Keeping the tradition alive.

Great read, can't wait to play & Go Green!



Christina

Good read.

I agree with you with those predictions.
IMO Nets will win that series but you never know.

So far 4 votes for Miami winning it all. Interesting.

#stoptheHeat

I was hoping to play out the rest of my games so I can warm up for the playoffs but since everything got simmed, my guys might not be ready for the playoffs just yet.

#LakersWillLose