Once again it's that time of year when the real NBA season starts, and if the last two years have been an indication of how great the postseason has been, then we should be in for a treat. Here on Causeway Street, we've made our predictions on who will come out of the East and West, plus who will be the recipients of this season's awards
Here are our results:
Josue Pavón [@Joe_Sway10] says:
Eastern Conference:
Round 1 - Quarter-Finals
CLE vs DET:
The Pistons turned their season around when they traded for Tobias Harris at the deadline. Playoff experience is going to be good for them – a team that I expect to see in the postseason in the near future if they can keep their core intact (Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, Tobias Harris). However, the Cavaliers will sweep them away in the first round. Kyrie Irving vs Reggie Jackson will be fun to watch but LeBron James’ scoring will keep his team ahead of Detroit for four games in a row.
Cavaliers win 4-0
BOS vs ATL:
This may turn out to be the most competitive series of the first round. The Hawks will expose two of the Celtics’ biggest flaws – interior defense and defensive rebounding. However, the Celtics’ backcourt defense (Avery Bradley & Marcus Smart) will limit Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder’s production and force the Hawks to rely on their big men. Paul Millsap will shine on both ends of the floor, Al Horford will contribute offensively but the Celtics will prevail behind their stifling team defense and back court scoring (Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley & Evan Turner) in a Game 7 thriller.
Celtics win 4-3
TOR vs IND:
In back-to-back seasons, the Raptors were favorites to make it to the Eastern Conference semifinals but came up short against the Nets in 2014, and again in 2015 when they were swept by the Wizards. Now that Paul Pierce is in the Western Conference and out of the picture, the Raptors are ready to make the leap and they look better than ever. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are the second best back court in the east and defensive specialist Demarre Carroll is healthy enough to make a comeback. Carroll will be challenged by one of the better scorers in the league in Paul George, who’s carried the Pacers on his back this season. George’s scoring coupled with Myles Turner and Ian Mahinmi’s post presence will win them two games in this matchup before the Raptors eventually wrap up the series in six games.
Raptors win 4-2
MIA vs CHA:
The addition of Joe Johnson gave the Heat another scoring option in the backcourt to go with Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic. Meanwhile, Charlotte has emerged as one of the hottest teams in the league since the all-star break – a team capable of having a different leading scorer every game throughout the series. However, that isn’t always a good thing, especially in the playoffs. The Hornets don’t have a go-to guy they can rely on at the end of games. They’ll most likely turn to Kemba Walker or Al Jefferson and their inexperience in the playoffs will show in the big moments against Miami, while playoff-tested guys like Wade and Johnson will lead their team past the Hornets.
Heat win 4-2
Round 2-East Semi-Finals
CLE vs BOS:
The Celtics will look to avenge their 2015 first-round loss to the Cavaliers – a series that concluded with two injuries (Kevin Love & Jae Crowder) in a chippy Game 4 at TD Garden. Don’t anticipate a sweep this time around but expect the same intensity. The Celtics will carry the momentum of the opening series into Cleveland and steal a game before heading home to Boston. The Celtics defense will be the key to their success when they make crucial stops at the end of fourth quarters. However, LeBron James’ dominance will take over towards the end of the series and the Celtics will gracefully bow out on their home floor in Game 6.
Cavaliers win 4-2
TOR vs MIA:
Not having Chris Bosh is a big blow for the Heat, especially in this potential matchup against the Raptors. Miami has plenty of talent and momentum to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals but Toronto will be hard to beat without a scorer in the frontcourt. Luol Deng will be locked down by Demaree Carroll and the Raptors’ strong backcourt and solid bench will be enough to push them past Miami in Game 7.
Raptors win 4-3
Round 3 - East Finals
CLE vs TOR:
The Raptors have been waiting all season long for this moment – a chance to prove that they’re the kings of the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers will get help from their big men in this matchup; Tristian Thompson and Timofey Mozgov will out-rebound Luis Scola and Jonas Valanciunas. Cleveland will get a lot of second-chance opportunities throughout the series. Carroll will keep up in guarding LeBron James but Cleveland’s offense will push them past Toronto.
Cavaliers win 4-2
Western Conference:
Round 1 - Quarter-Finals
GSW vs HOU:
The Rockets were almost left out of the playoff picture but managed to squeeze in by winning their final three games. The Warriors shouldn’t have a problem winning four in a row but it will be important for them to get out to quick starts against the Rockets. Golden State needs to rest their stars (Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green) as much as possible in the opening round because they’re round 2 opponent will be a much tougher challenge than the Rockets. Either way, Warriors will win.
Warriors win 4-0
LAC vs POR:
After every member of the starting lineup not named Damian Lillard left Portland over the summer, the Blazers surprised everyone by not only making the playoffs but grabbing the No. 5 seed. Lillard and C.J. McCollum have flourished into one of the better back courts in the league; however, they’re no match for Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Chris Paul, who is a candidate for this year’s Most
Valuable Player award, and Blake Griffin will lead a high-scoring offense and DeAndre Jordan is going to cause problems in the middle for Portland. Blazers will win one on their home floor but the Clippers will win the series.
Clippers win 4-1
SAS vs MEM:
The Grizzlies are a different team without Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. The injury bug has plagued this team throughout the regular season and is a big reason why they’re sitting in the No. 7 seed. The Spurs are the best defensive team in the league and are on a mission to win another title. They’ll sweep the Grizzlies in the first round and have plenty of rest before the Western Conference semifinals.
Spurs win 4-0
OKC vs DAL:
The Mavericks finished strong in their last ten games (7-3) of the regular season. Guards Deron Williams, J.J. Barea and Raymond Felton have picked up the scoring load lately but it will be no match against Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Westbrook is arguably the league’s best point guard and Durant is a top-3 scorer. The Thunder’s offense will be too much for the Mavericks to handle.
Thunder win 4-1
Round 2 - Semi-Finals
GSW vs LAC:
The Clippers missed out on a golden opportunity (no pun intended) to face the Warriors last season when they lost in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Rockets after surrendering a 3-1 lead. This season, Los Angeles proved they can win without their big man Blake Griffin but now that he’s back he’s going to be their most important player in the postseason, especially in this series against Draymond Green. Clippers must slow the game down and not try to get into a fast-break game against the Warriors. LA is also going to need scoring help from Jeff Green, Paul Pierce and Jamal Crawford just to keep up with the Warriors. The biggest problem for LA is – who’s going to guard Steph Curry and Klay Thompson? It’s a matchup nightmare for the Clippers. Curry will have Chris Paul on skates, Reddick will be chasing Thompson all over the floor and in the end the Warriors will win the series in six games.
Warriors win: 4-2
SAS vs OKC:
As the best rebounding team in the league with two of the best scorers in the game, the Thunder will push the Spurs to the brink of elimination. Oklahoma City has sat back and listened to critics talk only about the Warriors and Spurs as the two powerhouses of the Western Conference so they will be ready to shock the world. However, San Antonio’s defense will slow down the Thunder and the Spurs’ inside scoring from Tim Duncan and LaMarcus Aldridge will give them the edge. This one goes the distance.
Spurs win 4-3
Round 3 West Finals
GSW vs SAS:
It’s the series everyone has been waiting for, between two of the best teams in the league. In a classic offense vs defense showdown, Kawhi Leonard will be San Antonio’s most important player. The Defensive Player of the year will have to get it done on both ends of the floor and help keep the score low between the two teams. The Spurs were the only team to limit Golden State’s scoring to less than 80 points this season – proof that they can do it. However, the Warriors explosive offense will triumph over San Antonio on their home floor in Game 7.
Warriors win 4-3
NBA Finals:
GSW vs CLE:
With Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving both healthy, the Cavaliers will be at full strength against the Warriors in this NBA Finals rematch. This was and still is a horrible matchup for Cleveland. Kevin Love is a liability against Draymond Green, no lockdown defending guards to cover the best scoring backcourt in the league (Iman Shumpert isn’t the same defensive guard he was before his injuries) and a very questionable bench. LeBron James is going to need his supporting cast to chip in or duplicate what he did in 2015 – arguably his best NBA Finals performance, which I don’t see happening. In the end, the Warriors’ depth combined with their lethal offense will deliver them back-to-back championships. Warriors win in six games.
Warriors win 4-2
MVP: Steph Curry
Sixth Man of the Year: Will Barton (Denver)
Rookie of the Year: Karl Anthony-Towns (Minnesota)
Coach of the Year: Terry Stotts (Portland)
Most Improved Player: Jae Crowder (Boston)
Sean Dutra [@SeanDutra] says:
Eastern Conference:
Round 1 - Quarter-Finals
CLE vs DET:
Great job by the Pistons building something up back in Detroit, but Lebron loves the first round of the playoffs. Even though turmoil is about to make the Cavs explode, they will still be able to handle Drummond and company pretty easily.
Cavaliers win 4-0
TOR vs IND:
I really want to pick the Pacers here because I have zero faith in the Raptors. They will finally make it out of he first round but it won't be easy. Coach Drake takes them over the top in game seven with a all time halftime performance.
Raptors win 4-3
MIA vs CHA
Too much experience on the Heat. It will be awesome to see Kemba Walker back on the big stage. He will be a break out star in this one, but Wade, Whiteside, and Johnson should make it to the second round.
Heat win 4-2
ATL vs BOS:
Celtics in five. Read my story (here)
East Finals:
CLE vs TOR:
As much as I wanted to pick Celtics to beat the Cavs and advance to the ECF... I'll be not so much a homer here and pick the favorites. The East is so damn wide open though so this is no guarantee.
Cavaliers win 4-2
Round 1 - Quarter-Finals
GSW vs HOU:
A tired Warriors team will win, but James Harden has been waiting for his revenge since last WCF.
Warriors win 4-1
SAS vs MEM:
If Marc Gasol was healthy, I'd give the Grizz a chance to win a game but now, no way.
Spurs win 4-0
OKC vs DAL:
This will by no means be a cake walk for Durant and Westbrook. Dirk is good for two games alone.
Thunder win 4-2
LAC vs POR:
This is going to be the best series in the first round. Doc and the boys will take it with the edge going to them with the home court advantage.
Clippers win 4-3
West Finals:
GSW vs SAS:
The matchup I think we all know is inevitable is going to happen. This will be the real NBA finals. Golden State is going to wish they didn't go for the record. Blowout Spurs win in game seven at Oracle.
Spurs win 4-3
NBA Finals:
SAS vs CLE:
Rematch of 2014 Finals for LeBron James. LeBron has been waiting for his time to get some revenge on Pop. Yet the Spurs will be too much, Spurs in six. LeBron cries, leaves Cleveland and is hated once again. All is right with the world.
Spurs win 4-2
MVP: Steph Curry because obviously... he is the best player in the world right now.
Coach of the year: Steve Kerr (Golden State)
Brad Stevens loses by one vote. And now I am crying.
Most Improved Player: Jae Crowder (Boston)
Went from an after thought in the Rondo trade to the second best player on a playoff team. Next year, the ceiling will be even higher.
Rookie of the Year: Karl Anthony Towns (Minnesota)
The Timberwolves are stacked now with young athletic young studs. Towns was by far the best rookie in the league.
Sixth Man of the Year: Jeremy Lin
Guy was a legit factor coming off the bench for the Hornets in their best season in a while. Have to give it to him even though that hair is atrocious
Joel Pavón [@CausewayStreet] says:
Eastern Conference:
Round 1 - Quarter-Finals
CLE vs DET:
Though the Pistons have had a great season, and they do matchup well with the Cavaliers, but this goes no further than five games. If Cleveland remains healthy, they provide a tough task down on the post for Detroit to handle.
Cavaliers win 4-1
ATL vs BOS:
Despite the Hawks having home-court advantage and being a top-3 defensive rated team in the league, the Celtics 'we fight as one' mentality lives on to battle in the second round. Don't get it twisted, this will be the only first-round series that goes the full seven games, with Boston barely coming out on the other side. The only advantage the C's have is that the fifth seed team has gone on to win their first round matchup eight out of the last 10 series.
Celtics win 4-3
TOR vs IND:
Good thing Paul Pierce has gone out west, other wise the Raptors somehow would end up facing 'The Truth' for the third year in a row and losing. Toronto needs to win this series like LeBron needs to 'win one for the land.' If they lose to the Pacers, that's the end of the DeMarr DeRozan era up north. Still think the Raptors pull it off, but it wont be easy.
Raptors win 4-2
MIA vs CHA:
The lucky Heat grab the third seed after the cluster F**k of the East went in their favor despite losing the last game of the season. Miami lucked out and they get home-court advantage and face a hungry Hornets team that ended the regular season on a high note. Both teams will win their first two home games then Miami will turn up the 'heat' and win game five, and it ends in Charlotte.
Heat win 4-2
Round 2 - Semi-Finals
CLE vs BOS:
Boston after a hard fought first round in Atlanta then trying to win another series as the road team is an up-hill battle that won't end well for them. Cleveland is too strong and last I checked, LeBron is still in his prime and still the best player in the league (yup, I said it...). Unless the Celtics somehow grab an advantage in the rebounding department, the Cavaliers will win this series.
Cavaliers win 4-2
TOR vs MIA:
This might be the most interesting second round matchup for the simple fact that they have never faced each other in the postseason ever. Going to give the slight edge to the Heat, only because of Dwayne Wade and his experience and it might be his last go around on having an opportunity to fight for the Eastern crown. Toronto has never been past this the semi-finals, history is not on their side.
Heat win 4-3
Round 3 - East Finals
CLE vs MIA:
Another first for both Dwayne Wade and Bron-Bron facing each other in the postseason, what better way to fight for another ring than to battle one another in the conference finals. Like I said before, this could be Wade's last chance to compete for another title. Of course as fun as it will be, LeBron will come out on top.
Cavaliers win 4-2
Western Conference:
Round 1 - Quarter-Finals
GSW vs HOU:
Houston has no business being in the postseason let alone winning a game against the world champs. It's the end of the line for James Harden in H-Town, and the Warriors will be sitting by the pool awaiting the Clippers in the semis.
Warriors win 4-0
LAC vs POR
Portland is one of the feel good stories of the year, losing all their starters from a season ago via free agency or trade, the lone ranger Damian Lillard is right back where he started, in the playoffs where he belongs. However, Los Angeles is one of the deepest teams in the league and they have some unfinished business to attend to. That backcourt matchup will be great to see, but in the end DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin are just too much for anything the Blazers have to offer down low.
Clippers win 4-2
SAS vs MEM:
The Spurs are lucky that Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are not healthy, other wise it might have been a long series. Unfortunately Memphis has no shot to overcome San Antonio. The Spurs are just to strong in all areas and I give the Grizzlies one game at best.
Spurs win 4-1
OKC vs DAL:
The Mavericks are lucky that the Grizzlies fell as far as they did, other wise they would have been facing the Spurs. Not that I'm saying they can beat the Thunder, but they have shot to win a game or two, especially at home. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will be playing together in the playoffs for the first time in almost two years, I'm sure they want to get rid of Dallas as quickly as possible.
Thunder win 4-1
Round 2 - Semi-Finals
GSW vs LAC:
The series everyone wanted to see a year ago, especially after the Clippers knocked off the Spurs in the first round, but instead we got the Warriors against the Rockets in the conference finals...**sigh** This time around there should be no excuses, and I expect this to go the distance. If Chris Paul wants to be labeled as 'great' here's a chance to beat an MVP and eliminate the NBA champs (for the second year in a row) on his way to the third round for the first time in his career. But Golden State won't go down that easy.
Warriors win 4-3
SAS vs OKC:
Another series that could go down as a classic one, as the last time this two teams met, was in the WCF in 2013. This rematch will also go the distance, despite Kevin Durant possibly being in his last go around in Oklahoma City. But I think the inevitable will happen and the Spurs advance to the conference finals. San Antonio is just on a mission this season.
Spurs win 4-3
Round 3 - West Finals
GSW vs SAS:
The series I've been waiting for, since the last time these two teams met was in 2013. The Spurs have been on the Warriors' heal all season long despite Golden State breaking records and winning streaks. The funny thing is, I believe San Antonio is the better team, and they will prove it in this battle for the Western crown on their way to a third NBA Finals appearance in four years, knocking off the champs in the process
Spurs win 4-3
NBA Finals:
SAS vs CLE:
The rematch Bro-Bron has been waiting for since 2007, but don't expect the same exact outcome. Though LeBron owns a win over Timmy D, the Spurs have already beaten both the Cavaliers and Heat in the last nine years. This would be the fourth time Pop and James would meet in the NBA Finals (who would have predicted that?). Cleveland matches up pretty well with San Antonio, but the 'win one for the land' campaign will have to wait another year. The Spurs will win their sixth title in 17-years, and Mr Fundamentals will walk-off into the sunset. LaMarcus Aldridge wins Finals MVP.
Spurs win 4-2
MVP: Steph Curry
Sixth Man of the Year: Jamal Crawford (LA Clippers)
Coach of the Year: Terry Stotts (Portland)
Rookie of the Year: Karl Anthony Towns (Minnesota)
Most Improved Player: C.J. McCollum
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Picture used via Gabriella Hernandez
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