[ad name=”Google Adsense 300″]
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 20, 2013, the NBA playoffs 2013 are starting. The end of this regular season saw the last game for the New Orleans Hornets because the franchise has announced a name change: already from the next draft they’ll be officially the New Orleans Pelicans.
Let’s have a look at the teams with the best positions for the playoffs in the two Conferences.
Eastern Conference
Miami Heat
They’re definitely the favorites for the title. The first round against the Milwaukee Bucks really seems a formality but the Miami Heat should arrive without many problems up to the NBA Finals. They might have problems if they faced the sereis only superficially because after all the Bucks beat them once in the regular season.
New York Knicks
Finally they seem to have found a balance in their team, especially between Melo and Stoudemire, and the results their fans had been hoping for some years arrived. The first round won’t be easy because the Boston Celtics have great experience but without Rondo there’s so much they can do. I think the Knicks have the potential to reach the Conference finals.
Indiana Pacers
They confirmed the good things they showed during the last season. In the first round they’re facing the Atlanta Hawks, who won two of their regular season meetings but they have disappointed many times in the past years. I think the Pacers will win the first round and then play a great Conference semifinals against the Knicks, but I think they don’t have more than 30% chance to beat them.
Brooklyn Nets
The first season of the Nets in Brooklyn has been positive but the first round against the Chicago Bulls is really difficult. It’s true that Derrick Rose hasn’t returned and other Bulls players have physical problems but this is a team of fighters so I wouldn’t be surprised if they won the first round.
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder
They confirmed the high level reached during the last season and are the Western Conference favorites to reach the NBA Finals. The first round against the Houston Rockets should be simple but then I think they’ll have to be really intense against anyone in their way. Struggling a bit, however, could be an advantage to reach the NBA Finals with the right attitude.
San Antonio Spurs
They keep on playing very well during the regular season but in recent seasons they struggled in the playoffs. They’re a very experienced tea, but against opponents with great athleticism they struggle. After all they can be pleased to have found in the first round the Los Angeles Lakers, who had all kinds of problems this season until the serious injury to Kobe Bryant. A few days ago there was their last regular season meeting and the Lakers won it but don’t be fooled because the playoffs are another matter. The Spurs should win the first round but already in the Conference semifinals in my opinion they might lose.
Denver Nuggets
Until a few weeks ago I saw them as the first alternative to the Thunder in the Western Conference. The injurey to Danilo Gallinari has changed in part my opinion but the Denver Nuggets are rising team. They should still be able to beat the Golden State Warriors in the first round and if they can play at their best in my opinion they could even reach the Conference finals.
Los Angeles Clippers
Despite their inconsistency, they managed to have a good final record. The first round against the Memphis Grizzlies won’t be easy because they’re still the Clippers. It’s perhaps the more balanced matchup and if the Clippers were able to win it in my opinion they’ll lose in the Conference semifinals.
In the first round there seems to be little room for surprises but in sports you never know. Definitely there will be fun!
