2015 NBA Playoffs- First Round Predictions

It's the most wonderful time of the year! NBA Playoff basketball begins today, and here are my first round predictions.

Western Conference
Warriors in 5 over Pelicans: Anthony Davis led New Orleans to the playoffs for the first time since 2011, but they are running into a juggernaut in the league's best team.

Grizzlies in 6 over Blazers: Both teams are banged up, but I think Marc Gasol and Memphis survives the war of attrition.

Spurs in 7 over Clippers: San Antonio shockingly fell from 2 to 6 after their loss to New Orleans Saturday, but they are still one of the hottest team's in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard's play carries the defending champs over Blake Griffin and CP3 in Game 7 in LA.
Rockets in 7 over Mavericks: Offensive firepower aplenty on both sides with the MVP James Harden against Dirk, Monta, and the Mavs. There's also the juicy plot of Jason Terry and Corey Brewer, as well as Chandler Parsons facing their former teams in the playoffs. Give me the Beard and the defense of Trevor Ariza and a healthy Dwight Howard and Josh Smith.

Eastern Conference
Hawks in 5 over Nets: There is no way a 38-win team should make the playoffs, but alas, this is the Eastern Conference we're talking about. Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson may get the Nets one game, but Coach Budenholzer's top-seed Hawks advance easily. 
Raptors in 7 over Nets: Great backcourt matchup between Toronto's Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan and Washington's John Wall and Bradley Beal. I think Toronto has learned from last year's 7 game series against the Nets about how to win close games in the playoffs and advance to play Atlanta.
Bulls in 5 over Bucks: Jason Kidd has done an amazing job leading the Greek Freak and the Bucks back to the postseason, but their great season ends at the hands of Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol and the well-coached veteran Bulls.
Cavaliers in 4 over Celtics:  Brad Stevens has similarly done a great job with a young Boston roster in flux (they traded Rajon Rondo mid-year). But LeBron and the Cavs have too much talent and veteran experience to play around with the Celtics.

2015 NCAA Championship Preview

#1  vs. #1 8:18 PM CT CBS

Tonight, at Lucas Oil Stadium, the 2015 NCAA Basketball champion will be crowned.

On one side, Wisconsin, a veteran-laden team which avenged its defeat to Kentucky in the Final Four last year by knocking out the undefeated 38-0 Wildcats Saturday night. Led by national player of the year Frank Kaminsky, as well as junior forward Sam Dekker, the Badgers have gotten here by valuing each possession and playing outstanding team defense against more athletic teams. Against Duke tonight, they will have to do just the same. 

On the other side, Duke has gotten to here by riding the athleticism and talent of its three freshmen, future NBA draft picks in center Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones, as well as senior guard Quinn Cook. One of the highest scoring teams in the country, the Blue Devils will try to push the pace and get easy transition baskets before the outstanding Badgers' defense sets up.

The key in the game will be the play of the big men inside. While the freshmen Okafor has more pure power and talent, the senior Kaminsky certainly has an edge in experience and shot-making from the perimeter. Pace of play will also play a big factor, as Duke will want to get out and run, while Wisconsin will want to limit possessions and keep the game lower scoring. In the end, I like the experience and poise of Wisconsin getting head coach Bo Ryan his first ever national championship.
My pick: Wisconsin

2015 Final Four Picks

Saturday, April 3

#7 Michigan State vs. #1 Duke 5:07 PM CT TBS

My pick: Duke

Michigan State reached their fourth Final Four since 2005 by winning an East Region which saw them upset the 2, 3, and 4 seeds to advance. Seniors Travis Trice and Branden Dawson have carried the Spartans, who are on a mission to win their first NCAA title since 2000. Meanwhile, Duke won the South Region behind its outstanding freshmen trio of Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones. Coach K is 8-1 all-time against Tom Izzo and in the end, I think the talent of Duke will outlast the experience of the Spartans.

#1 Wisconsin vs. #1 Kentucky 7:47 PM CT TBS

My pick: Kentucky

Rematch of last year's national semifinal with Wisconsin trying to end Kentucky's perfect season. I think the Badgers have a shot, if senior center Frank Kaminsky can find a way to be effective against Kentucky's five-star big men. Notre Dame had success against Kentucky by spreading the floor against the Wildcats, and I think Kaminksy and Wisconsin has to try to duplicate that in this game. The Badgers also need junior guard Sam Dekker to continue his hot shooting. For Kentucky, their big men will try to dominate the undersized Badgers inside with Karl-Anthony Towns, Trey Lyles, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Dakari Johnson. Add that to future NBA draft picks in guards Devin Booker and the Harrison twins and I think there's just too much talent for Wisconsin to handle.