The 2015-2016 NBA regular season is over, and it was definitely one for the record books. The Golden State Warriors set the new record for most wins in a season, the San Antonio Spurs tied the record for most home wins in a season, and Kobe Bryant ended his legendary career by scoring 60 points, the most by any player this season.
But that's all in the past now. It's now time for the playoffs and for a team to be crowned as the 2016 NBA champs. In this article we'll break down each match-up and give our picks. Let's get this show on the road.
Eastern Conference First Round:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8 Detroit Pistons
It might sound weird, but you could make the argument that the Pistons had a better season than the Cavs. After all, Cleveland was expected to be the first seed, anything less than that would have been a disappointment. They were also plagued by constant stories about their lack of chemistry and reports that point guard Kyrie Irving wanted out. The Pistons on the other hand, entered this season with low expectations. They ended up making the playoffs, Andre Drummond led the league in rebounding and was named an All-Star, and acquired Tobias Harris from the Magic.
The Pistons match-up well on paper, especially thanks to Drummond. The Cavs have no answer for Drummond, especially since their own big man Timofey Mosgov has been playing poorly all season-long. However, LeBron James is a proven postseason commodity and will lead Cleveland to victory. Pick: Cleveland in 5
4. Atlanta Hawks vs. 5 Boston Celtics
This is one of the most intriguing series of the first round. Both of these teams had good seasons, and Boston's young team certainly exceeded expectations. Atlanta on the other hand, is full of veterans like Paul Millsap and Al Horford.
This series might come down to experience. While Boston is led by Isaiah Thomas (a man with little playoff experience), Atlanta went to the conference finals last season. That could be the deciding factor here. Pick: Atlanta in 6
2. Toronto Raptors vs . 7. Indiana Pacers
The Raptos had a great season punctuated by Kyle Lowry being named a starting All-Star. Indiana also had a great season. No one really expected them to make the playoffs, especially now that Derrick Rose was back.
Unfortunately, it looks like this is where Indiana's journey comes to an end. Toronto is just too stacked and strong to have an early exit. The Pacers will undoubtedly play hard, but it just won't cut it. Pick: Toronto in 5
3. Miami Heat vs. 6. Charlotte Hornets
This is another great first-round match-up. Both of these teams had great seasons. No one expected Miami to win their division and get the third seed while Charlotte quietly an efficient and productive season.
This will be a star-studded affair, as Miami has Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson, and Hassan Whiteside while the Hornets have Cody Zeller, Frank Kaminsky, and Jeremy Lin. The Hornets are a sneaky-good defensive unit and will no doubt benefit from Chris Bosh's absence. However, like with Atlanta, the experience factor weighs in here. Wade is a three-time NBA Champion while coach Erik Spoelstra has two rings. Pick: Miami in 7
Western Conference First Round:
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8 Houston Rockets
The Warriors had the greatest regular season in NBA history. Guys like Draymond Green, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson all had great seasons. The Rockets... well, they made the playoffs. That's all we can really say about them.
The result here is a foregone conclusion. The Rockets are simply over-matched here. They have no answer for Curry, unarguably the hottest player in the entire NBA. I would bet good money on a sweep here. Pick: Warriors in 4
4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers lost four of their starters from last season, but they're still flying high. Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and company are playing well and are looking for a solid run. The Clippers on the other hand, entered the season as one of the top five title contenders (along with Golden State, San Antonio, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City), but people aren't so sure now. Blake Griffin will be returning after being suspended for getting in an altercation with the team's equipment manager, and that will undoubtedly help LA.
Despite Portland's unexpected success, the Clippers are still the favorites here. Chris Paul is one of the best players in the NBA and has a talented supporting cast with the likes of DJ, JJ Redick, Paul Pierce, Jamal Crawford, and Austin Rivers. Pick: Clippers in 6
2. San Antonio Spurs to 7. Memphis Grizzlies
The Spurs lost only once in San Antonio this year, tying the best record for a home team in NBA history. They have one of the most loaded rosters in the entire league thanks to guys like Kwahi Leonard, Danny Green, and Tim Duncan. The Grizzlies also have plenty of talent with guys like Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Matt Barnes.
Like with the Warriors, I would put good money on a sweep. The Spurs are just too focused and too hot to suffer an early exit. On top of that, the Spurs have the first two games of the series at home, something the Grizzlies won't be able to come back for that. Pick: Spurs in 4
3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks
The Thunder, along with San Antonio, Golden State, and Cleveland, are the only real title contenders here. With that being said, this is the playoffs and anything could happen. Dallas is the perfect team for an upset. Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest power forwards the game has ever seen, Rick Carlisle is a great coach, and Deron Williams has a ton of experience.
When you have two of the best players in the world (Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook), you automatically become one of the teams to beat. These men have made it to the Finals before and are hungry for more. Pick: Thunder in 5
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks
These two teams met in the Eastern Conference finals last year with Cleveland coming out on top. Unfortunately for Atlanta fans, it looks like Cleveland will take this series as well. Coach Tyronn Lue will almost certainly coach the Cavs to victory. Pick: Cleveland in 5
2. Toronto Raptors vs. 3. Miami Heat
There is definitely upset potential here. Wade has been known to always step up his game in big-game in big-game situations (see his Finals MVP performance against Dallas). The Raptors on the other hand, are known to flame out in the playoffs. However, I see that changing here. DeMar DeRozan, DeMarre Carroll and the Raptors are too loaded to lay down. The Heat however, will not go down without a fight. Pick: Toronto in 6
Western Conference Second Round:
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 4. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers will certainly do their best to derail the Warriors's repeat hopes, but it's very unlikely. The Warriors are the best team in the NBA and it will take something truly monumental to stop them. Pick: Warriors in 6
2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are more than just Durant and Westbrook (thanks to guys like Steven Adams and Dion Waiters), but are still not as deep as the Spurs. The Thunder will keep it close, but the Spurs are taking the W here. Pick: Spurs in 7
Eastern Conference Finals:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 2. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors were only a few games behind Cleveland in the regular season, so this could be interesting. However, you have to give the edge to Cleveland simply because of LeBron James, a five-time Eastern Conference champion. Pick: Cleveland in 6
Western Conference Finals:
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 2. San Antonio Spurs
This is by far the biggest series of the entire playoffs. These are the two biggest title contenders, but only one can make it to the Finals. The Warriors have home-court advantage and that could be the decider here. Pick: Warriors in 7
Finals;
1. Cleveland Cavaliers at 1. Golden State Warriors
I've said it before, I'll say it again: the Warriors are the best team in the world. Unfortunately for Cleveland fans, their wait for LeBron to bring them a title will have to wait just a little bit longer. Pick: Golden State in 7, MVP: Steph Curry
Thanks for reading everyone. Comment and let me know if you agree with my picks.
But that's all in the past now. It's now time for the playoffs and for a team to be crowned as the 2016 NBA champs. In this article we'll break down each match-up and give our picks. Let's get this show on the road.
Eastern Conference First Round:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8 Detroit Pistons
It might sound weird, but you could make the argument that the Pistons had a better season than the Cavs. After all, Cleveland was expected to be the first seed, anything less than that would have been a disappointment. They were also plagued by constant stories about their lack of chemistry and reports that point guard Kyrie Irving wanted out. The Pistons on the other hand, entered this season with low expectations. They ended up making the playoffs, Andre Drummond led the league in rebounding and was named an All-Star, and acquired Tobias Harris from the Magic.
The Pistons match-up well on paper, especially thanks to Drummond. The Cavs have no answer for Drummond, especially since their own big man Timofey Mosgov has been playing poorly all season-long. However, LeBron James is a proven postseason commodity and will lead Cleveland to victory. Pick: Cleveland in 5
4. Atlanta Hawks vs. 5 Boston Celtics
This is one of the most intriguing series of the first round. Both of these teams had good seasons, and Boston's young team certainly exceeded expectations. Atlanta on the other hand, is full of veterans like Paul Millsap and Al Horford.
This series might come down to experience. While Boston is led by Isaiah Thomas (a man with little playoff experience), Atlanta went to the conference finals last season. That could be the deciding factor here. Pick: Atlanta in 6
2. Toronto Raptors vs . 7. Indiana Pacers
The Raptos had a great season punctuated by Kyle Lowry being named a starting All-Star. Indiana also had a great season. No one really expected them to make the playoffs, especially now that Derrick Rose was back.
Unfortunately, it looks like this is where Indiana's journey comes to an end. Toronto is just too stacked and strong to have an early exit. The Pacers will undoubtedly play hard, but it just won't cut it. Pick: Toronto in 5
3. Miami Heat vs. 6. Charlotte Hornets
This is another great first-round match-up. Both of these teams had great seasons. No one expected Miami to win their division and get the third seed while Charlotte quietly an efficient and productive season.
This will be a star-studded affair, as Miami has Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson, and Hassan Whiteside while the Hornets have Cody Zeller, Frank Kaminsky, and Jeremy Lin. The Hornets are a sneaky-good defensive unit and will no doubt benefit from Chris Bosh's absence. However, like with Atlanta, the experience factor weighs in here. Wade is a three-time NBA Champion while coach Erik Spoelstra has two rings. Pick: Miami in 7
Western Conference First Round:
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8 Houston Rockets
The Warriors had the greatest regular season in NBA history. Guys like Draymond Green, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson all had great seasons. The Rockets... well, they made the playoffs. That's all we can really say about them.
The result here is a foregone conclusion. The Rockets are simply over-matched here. They have no answer for Curry, unarguably the hottest player in the entire NBA. I would bet good money on a sweep here. Pick: Warriors in 4
4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers lost four of their starters from last season, but they're still flying high. Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and company are playing well and are looking for a solid run. The Clippers on the other hand, entered the season as one of the top five title contenders (along with Golden State, San Antonio, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City), but people aren't so sure now. Blake Griffin will be returning after being suspended for getting in an altercation with the team's equipment manager, and that will undoubtedly help LA.
Despite Portland's unexpected success, the Clippers are still the favorites here. Chris Paul is one of the best players in the NBA and has a talented supporting cast with the likes of DJ, JJ Redick, Paul Pierce, Jamal Crawford, and Austin Rivers. Pick: Clippers in 6
2. San Antonio Spurs to 7. Memphis Grizzlies
The Spurs lost only once in San Antonio this year, tying the best record for a home team in NBA history. They have one of the most loaded rosters in the entire league thanks to guys like Kwahi Leonard, Danny Green, and Tim Duncan. The Grizzlies also have plenty of talent with guys like Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Matt Barnes.
Like with the Warriors, I would put good money on a sweep. The Spurs are just too focused and too hot to suffer an early exit. On top of that, the Spurs have the first two games of the series at home, something the Grizzlies won't be able to come back for that. Pick: Spurs in 4
3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks
The Thunder, along with San Antonio, Golden State, and Cleveland, are the only real title contenders here. With that being said, this is the playoffs and anything could happen. Dallas is the perfect team for an upset. Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest power forwards the game has ever seen, Rick Carlisle is a great coach, and Deron Williams has a ton of experience.
When you have two of the best players in the world (Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook), you automatically become one of the teams to beat. These men have made it to the Finals before and are hungry for more. Pick: Thunder in 5
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks
These two teams met in the Eastern Conference finals last year with Cleveland coming out on top. Unfortunately for Atlanta fans, it looks like Cleveland will take this series as well. Coach Tyronn Lue will almost certainly coach the Cavs to victory. Pick: Cleveland in 5
2. Toronto Raptors vs. 3. Miami Heat
There is definitely upset potential here. Wade has been known to always step up his game in big-game in big-game situations (see his Finals MVP performance against Dallas). The Raptors on the other hand, are known to flame out in the playoffs. However, I see that changing here. DeMar DeRozan, DeMarre Carroll and the Raptors are too loaded to lay down. The Heat however, will not go down without a fight. Pick: Toronto in 6
Western Conference Second Round:
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 4. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers will certainly do their best to derail the Warriors's repeat hopes, but it's very unlikely. The Warriors are the best team in the NBA and it will take something truly monumental to stop them. Pick: Warriors in 6
2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are more than just Durant and Westbrook (thanks to guys like Steven Adams and Dion Waiters), but are still not as deep as the Spurs. The Thunder will keep it close, but the Spurs are taking the W here. Pick: Spurs in 7
Eastern Conference Finals:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 2. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors were only a few games behind Cleveland in the regular season, so this could be interesting. However, you have to give the edge to Cleveland simply because of LeBron James, a five-time Eastern Conference champion. Pick: Cleveland in 6
Western Conference Finals:
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 2. San Antonio Spurs
This is by far the biggest series of the entire playoffs. These are the two biggest title contenders, but only one can make it to the Finals. The Warriors have home-court advantage and that could be the decider here. Pick: Warriors in 7
Finals;
1. Cleveland Cavaliers at 1. Golden State Warriors
I've said it before, I'll say it again: the Warriors are the best team in the world. Unfortunately for Cleveland fans, their wait for LeBron to bring them a title will have to wait just a little bit longer. Pick: Golden State in 7, MVP: Steph Curry
Thanks for reading everyone. Comment and let me know if you agree with my picks.
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