(1) Indiana Pacers vs (5) Washington Wizards
Indiana Pacers (56-26)
Offense: 96.7 PPG, 44.7 RPG, 20.1 APG, 44.9%, 77.9 FT%, 35.7 3P%, 14.5 TOPG
Defense: 92.3 PPG, 42.0 FG%, 34.5 3P%, 13.2 TOPG
The Pacers ended the season with an epic swoon. While they made it out of the first round, it was a lot tougher than it should have been in against the 38 win Atlanta Hawks. Nevertheless, the Pacers rallied from a 3-2 series deficit to win the series in 7 games. Hopefully, they found some of their great chemistry at the beginning of the year. Paul George was a superstar for the Pacers in last year’s playoffs and at the beginning of the season. It is no coincidence that there is a direct correlation with winning and George playing well. His overall numbers against the Hawks were very solid averaging 23.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.4 steals. However, he was still up and down from game to game in the series. The biggest question for the Pacers is what to do with Roy Hibbert. He is not playing well and is a defensive liability against the more athletic, quicker teams. In my opinion, his minutes clearly need to be limited. If he starts playing well on offense, his minutes and role should increase. Offense continues to be the problem for the Pacers. Lance Stephenson is their second leading scorer at 15.4 points. However, they need more punch to return to the Conference Finals.
Washington Wizards (44-38)
Offense: 100.7 PPG, 42.2 RPG, 23.3 APG, 45.9%, 73.1 FT%, 38 3P%, 14.1 TOPG
Defense: 99.4 PPG, 45.8 FG%, 34.7 3P%, 15.4TOPG
I picked the experienced, tough Chicago Bulls to beat the young, inexperienced Wizards. I was completely wrong. It was eye opening how easily the Wizards beat the Bulls. While John Wall is emerging as a superstar point guard, his backcourt partner in crime Bradley Beal distinguished himself against the Bulls as he averaged 19.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the last series. He is a great shooter and great complement to Wall. Nene Hilario is also a major key to the Wizards. While he had his normal injury problems during the season, he made an impact and his team had a much better record when he played. He is a low post and veteran presence.
Season Series:
The Pacers won the series 2-1 with the home team winning every game in the series. None of the games were close.
Prediction:
The Wizards looked great in the first round and the Pacers continued to struggle. As a result, it would not surprise me if the Wizards pull it out. Paul George will need to step up in the series. The Pacers may also have to make a significant adjustment with Hibbert. I am not very confident in this pick but I will take the Pacers because of George and homecourt.
Pacers in 7.
(2) Miami Heat vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets
Miami Heat (54-28)
Offense: 102.2 PPG, 36.9 RPG, 22.5 APG, 50.1%, 76 FT%, 36.4 3P%, 14.2 TOPG
Defense: 97.4 PPG, 45.7 FG%, 36.2 3P%, 15.6 TOPG
The Heat turn up their game in the playoffs. However, it was difficult to tell if they did so against the Charlotte Bobcats in the first round. The Bobcats were clearly outmatched by the Heat as they were quickly swept out of the playoffs. Of course, Lebron James was great averaging 30 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2.3 steals while shooting 55.7% from the field. Dwayne Wade also looked good averaging 17.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 49.1%. The Heat have saved Wade for the playoffs and they will need him for a Championship run. Chris Bosh was not needed to do much in the first round but he will also be a key in the next rounds. The supporting cast did not do much. While they did not need to, they are older and it may hurt them as they advance in the playoffs.
Brooklyn Nets (44-38)
Offense: 98.5 PPG, 38.1 RPG, 20.9 APG, 45.9%, 75.3 FT%, 36.9 3P%, 14 TOPG
Defense: 99.5 PPG, 45.8 FG%, 36.7 3P%, 15TOPG
The Nets experience got them past the Toronto Raptors in the first round. Nerves reared its ugly head for the young, inexperienced Raptors in Game 1, their first chance at winning the seires in Game 6, and Game 7. Joe Johnson was the Nets’ best scorer averaging 21.9 points shooting 52.3% from the field, 39.1% from threes, and 82% from the line. Deron Williams was the second leading scorer with 16.9 points but he will need to do more in this round. Paul Pierce only averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. However, he is still a big game player. He hit a key shot down the stretch of Game 1 and had a series ending block at the buzzer in Game 7. He will be a huge factor in this series. His long time teammate Kevin Garnett also came up big when he needed to with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the deciding Game 7. The Nets also have a lot of depth as shown by Marcus Thornton scoring 17 points in Game 7 despite scoring less points the rest of the series. The Nets are veterans that know how to play basketball. I also like that they have multiple scoring options down the stretch whom can create their own shot: Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, and Deron Williams.
Season Series:
The Nets swept the regular season series 4-0. They won 3 games by 1 point and their 9 point win came in double overtime. While the Nets have had the Heat’s number during the season, it was not total domination. The teams were evenly matched and the law of averages may start to even out in this series.
Prediction:
4 straight wins cannot be a fluke. On the other hand, the Heat are a different team in the playoffs. Nevertheless, the Nets will be tough to play. They know how to play basketball and have multiple scoring options they can go to and Lebron James can only shut down one player at a time. While the Raptors gave the Nets problems with their athleticism and youth, the Heat are an older team outside of Lebron James. As such, it is more of an even playing field between the two rosters in those terms. Nevertheless, Lebron James is the best player the sport and in his prime. He will be a big problem. On the other hand, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have a history of playing him tough. I want to pick the Nets but Lebron and homecourt should carry the Heat to the Conference Finals.
Heat in 7.
About Pat Wong
Patrick is a contributor for Rookerville. He is an avid sports fan. Before joining Rookerville, he was part of a defunct New York Yankees message board, NYYankeefans, where he was its top poster and was inducted in its Hall of Fame for his contributions. Patrick is also a passionate fan of movies. He has enjoyed reading movie reviews over the years and is excited about the opportunity to review movies.