Apr 19, 2014
Today marks the beginning of a highly anticipated NBA Playoffs. This year’s games will consist of various storylines en route to the prized Larry O’Brien trophy. The Miami Heat will enter the playoffs with the purpose of obtaining a championship for the third straight time. A feat the NBA has not seen since the 1991 thru 1993 Chicago Bulls. Miami’s quest begins as a number 2 seed and the easiest path to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat will face-off with the Charlotte Bobcats tomorrow afternoon in Miami.
The Indiana Pacers began the season with a goal of obtaining the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The good news is, the Pacers got it, and the bad news has Indiana going through the toughest road to the East Finals. Indiana’s road to the Finals begins tonight when they face the Atlanta Hawks. Both teams split the season series but the Pacers enter the playoffs on a down slide, losing six out of their last ten games. The Hawks gave Indiana their worst home lost with a 107-88 victory towards the end of the season. The thorough domination at the hands of Atlanta will definitely provide the team with confidence going into tonight’s contest.
The Western Conference will be wide-open as it pertains to West Finals participants. Unlike the Eastern Conference, the West is more than a two team race to the top. San Antonio and Oklahoma City are the prohibited favorites to represent the West in the NBA Finals. The matchups in the Western Conference are very intriguing. The Golden State versus Los Angeles series will have drama, big shot making and overall distain, due to the hatred both teams have for one another. Every time the Warriors and Clippers matchup, fouls are given hard and there is plenty of trash talk amongst both teams.
Houston and Portland is a series that is expected to go the distance. NBA analysts predict the series to go seven games. The Blazers and Rockets matchup well, having two high caliber stars who lead their respective teams. Both teams are excellent at shooting three pointers, so expect plenty of shots to fly. These teams are not known as defensive minded squads, so defense will more-than-likely determine the series outcome.
Expect plenty of thrills and drama filled circumstances, as the playoffs are up and running. Sixteen teams will begin a long journey to see who will become NBA Champion. Can the Miami Heat repeat? Will the Indiana Pacers break out of their slump and dethrone the Heat? Can any of the Western Conference playoff participates beat the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder? Tune in for the next eight weeks and find out.
