Smoke Signal - NBA Playoffs spread

NBA Playoffs By Jason Chen & Ishan Goyal Staff Writers LAYOUT BY SPORTS EDITOR KENNY JACOBY. FIUSPORTS.COM, SPORTSLOGOS.NET The Miami Heat The confident and well-rested Miami Heat enter the playoffs with the best record in the NBA. Led by two of the world’s best bas- ketball players in Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, the Heat feature one of the league’s top offenses as well as a suffocating defense capable of shutting down any opponent. Mi- ami does a great job of sharing the ball, leading to easy opportunities around the rim as well as the three-point line. Using Chris Bosh at center might get them into trouble with elite post players, but the tenacity and energy that the team plays with more than makes up for their weakness and make them a shoe in for the NBA finals. Chicago Bulls The Chicago Bulls are an extremely formi- dable team due to the tenacity, energy, and defensive intensity that Tom Thibodeau’s squad plays with. Chicago has a ferocious defender in Luol Deng, and their trio of Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, and Joakim Noah has been winning the battle of the boards all season long. Chi- cago is a team that plays with a ton of heart, which will get them past the Nets in the first round. But Derrick Rose’s absence will prove insurmountable, as the Bulls will not muster enough points to overcome the seemingly unstoppable Miami Heat. Indiana Pacers The Indiana Pacers have been one of the most improved teams this season with the de- velopment of All-Star Paul George and leadership of Head Coach Frank Vogel. The team also features two outstanding post players in David West and Roy Hibbert, giving them a dis- tinct advantage on the boards and in the paint. In order for Indiana to advance deep into the playoffs, George will need to step up his play and play like the all-star he is. Hibbert and West need to win the battle of the boards and draw defensive attention away from the team’s wing players. This up and coming team is definitely one that no team wants to face due to their combination of youthful energy and veteran leadership. An Eastern Conference finals berth for this team is not out of the question. New York Knicks The New York Knicks have finally taken the next step and ascended into an eastern conference powerhouse. Led by head coach Mike Woodson and defensive player of the year candidate Tyson Chandler, the Knicks have morphed into a fantastic defensive team. The Knicks have one of the best offensive players in the league in Carmelo Anthony. However, their offense lacks variety as they attempt the most three-pointers in the league, an approach that could haunt them down the stretch. San Antonio Spurs Although critics call them too old, the San Antonio Spurs seem to make an annual playoff appearance. This year, they hit the stage as a second seed with guard Tony Parker and forward Tim Duncan the main forces behind the team. With notorious sixth man Manu Ginobili indefinitely injured, coach Greg Popovich faces the tough decision of bringing his star back or putting faith in Gary Neal. After easily pushing past the Lakers, if the Spurs rely on the depth of their bench and make sure they don’t suffer any serious injuries, they will be a tough opponent in the second round. Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors are burgeoning after their star forward Andrew Bogut finally returned to the lineup. As forward Carl Landry said, “If he plays like he has the last two games, we’re pretty tough.” Landry and his teammates like Stephen Curry and David Lee are famous for their dagger perimeter shooting. If the War- riors can limit their turnovers and slow down Denver’s fast paced press, they are in a great po- sition to take the series. After progressing past the first round, the Warriors will most likely face the seasoned veterans of San Antonio. If they can solidify their defense and slow down the tempo of their opponents, the Warriors will definitely make it to their conference finals. Los Angeles Clippers After clinching their first 50-win season, the Clippers have definitely shown that they are the dominant team in Los Angeles. NBA all stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul alone cannot carry the team to victory. It is essential that Jamal Crawford and Lamar Odom step up in this circumstance. If Griffin continues to play the boards and Paul continues to dish dimes, Lob City has a solid chance at winning the series. Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant and his first seed Thunder have dominated the competition throughout the season with 61 wins and 20 losses. Their offensive efficiency is unparallel to that of any team besides the Heat. With superstars like Durant and Russell Westbrook and a great supporting cast that includes Serge Ibaka, Derek Fisher, and Reggie Jackson, the Thun- der seemed near unstoppable. That is until Westbrook suffered a torn meniscus during the series with Houston. The Thunder may still have the raw talent and team chemistry to make it to the Western Conference Finals and Finals as well, but even despite Westbrook’s streakiness, his absence will put a huge damper on Oklahoma City’s powerhouse offense. ▪ 22 Sports WWW.THESMOKESIGNAL.ORG The Smoke Signal Friday, May 3, 2013 Above is a bracket composed of a combination of both ex- perts’ picks. The NBA teams featured underneath the composite bracket are those predicted to advance past the first round of the playoffs. Each expert’s individual picks are at the bottom of the page. Expert Analysis Composite Picks Jason's Picks Ishan's Picks

Smoke Signal - NBA Playoffs spread

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