Chances of a Title For Every Team Remaining in the Playoffs - OKC thunder and Indiana Pacers)5/24/2014 By GM and Anonymous Co-Editor of NBA Blog Weekly
So it has finally come to this; four title hungry teams battling each other until there are just 13 left standing. It is finally the time of year basketball fans around the U.S. have been waiting for, the finale for one of the most entertaining playoffs yet.There have been many surprises in the playoffs this far: the suspension of Zach Randolph, the magnificent upsets the Blazers and the Wizards have managed to pull off, and the fact that neither, the Celtics, the Knicks, and the Lakers have not made the playoffs for the first time since the NBA became the primary basketball association in the U.S.. The following lists every team's chance of becoming the NBA's to-beat team. OKC Thunder Kevin Durant amazed many this season, achieving historical stats and breaking a record set by Michael Jordan himself. Russel Westbrook has helped as well, contributing 21.8 points a night, 5.7 rebounds, and an impressive 6.9 assists. The thunder's second unit has also showed bursts of depth and talent , Reggie Jackson leading the way while recording the stats of 13.1 point per game 3.1 rebounds, and a decent assisting stat of 4.1 assists.Yet, down 2-0 in a series against one of the most consistent team's in NBA history with their top rim protector, it does not seem like the Thunder could make it out of this one. Chance of wining the championship: 5% Indiana Pacers Dark times have come to the city of Indianapolis, where,just a few days ago, the team's most valuable player suffered a concussion. Although George has gotten the approval he needed to play in game 3, there is no guarantee he will be the player he was before the injury. In addition, the Pacers are facing their long time rivals and the winners of the last two championships-The Miami Heat.This creates matchup problems for the Pacers, because there isn't a single player in the Indiana lineup that is both quick and athletic enough to keep Lebron and Dwyane Wade from having a great game.Lastly, the Pacers are not an offensively gifted team and do not have a proven superstar outside of George, lowering their chances of truly wining a championship. Yet Indiana's defense is still exceptional, and Roy Hibbert once again looks like the man who wrecked the Miami Heat last year. Even with all the problems ahead, this squad seems to be championship ready: at least while Hibbert remains consistent. Chance of winning a championship: 20% Should waiting for this matchup become a yearly tradition? After all,this is the third year in a row that the east's powerhouses, the Heat and the Pacers, have faced each other in a best of seven playoff series.The Pacers are finally back from a lengthy slump and have given the Heat a taste of the challenge they are up for by eliminating the talented wizards in 6 games. The Heat, meanwhile,look as good as ever, winning eight of their first nine playoff games. Indiana features incredible defense and impressive chemistry, a combo that is hard to beat.Yet the Heat may be just the right team to challenge Indiana, for they have the pleasure of having one of the greatest trios ever assembled in Lebron, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.That being said, these teams are evenly matched, although the Pacers have a huge x-factor in Roy Hibbert. If Hibbert is able to step up on a nightly basis, the Pacers have a good chance of putting this one away.Yet if the 7-2 center goes back to his ways of old(meaning the first round matchup against Atlanta) the Heat will fid themselves with a huge advantage over the Eastern Conference's first seed. Thunder vs Clippers
In a best of seven series between two star powered teams willing to do everything to advance to the conference finals, there is no telling which team has the clear advantage. The thunder are a star powered team that has the league MVP and an elite defender and rim protector in Serge Ibaka,While the Clippers are an elite defensive team theta showcases incredible depth and the leagues top frontcourt. But in the end of the day match ups are what makes the difference, and Ibaka and Westbrook can tire out- if not shut down completely- Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. Prediction-Thunder in 7 Spurs Vs Trailblazers This may be the least evenly matched second round matchup in this seasons playoffs. Spurs host elite offense and defense, experience, incredible depth, and star power . All the trailblazers have proved in this seasons playoffs is their ability to make three pointers against an average defensive team.If the spurs continue to play the way they did during the regular season, they should take this serious without too much effort. Prediction-Spurs in 5 Heat Vs Nets While it is true that the nets sweeped the heat during the regular season , it is also true that the Heat are a completely different team in the playoffs.The nets may have exceptional depth, high percentage shooting, and playoff experience, but they are an aged team that barely survived their first round matchup.The heat are well rested and have the elite defense and star power necessary to defeat the nets, while the nets are a team that has barely had any time to rest and will play in Miami for most of the series. The Nets are a good team, but fatigue is always a huge, series deciding factor, and it will eventually take its toll on the aged nets. Prediction-Heat in 6 Pacers Vs Wizards Who do you bid on: a young, inexperienced team that has exceeded all expectations in the playoffs, or a once elite team just beginning to recover from a 50 day slump? The turnout may have been different if the Wizards star studded backcourt had any playoff experience prior to this year, but expect the Pacers to use experience to their advantage and dominate the series from start to finish Prediction-Pacers in 6 Dear readers, As the hype of the NBA playoffs begins, we would like to answer any questions our readers may have. Therefore, from now until the end of the playoffs, we will introduce a new feature called question of the week.Every week, we will answer the best question a reader has sent us. If the reader wishes to remain anonymous we will not mention neither his name, email address,or any other information the reader may send in the contact form.The contact form and a survey will be featured at the end of this note. In addition,if you do not want to check this website every day and check for new articles, please leave your email address in the contact form and send it to us saying you want to be notified every time a new article is published. Notification will come via email. Brooklyn Nets
Experience, star power, and good shooters have given the Brooklyn Nets the best chance out of any playoff underdog to pull of a first round upset.Honestly, if the nets weren't plagued by injuries and lack of chemistry at the begining of their 2013-2014 campain, it would be the raptors trying to make an appearance on this list. Portland Trail Blazers Throughout the first two games , the blazers have played fantastic, completely stoping James Harden while averaging over 110 points per game. Although they are not as athletic or quick as the rockets, Lamarcus Aldridge has allowed them to keep up, joining a group of under 10 people to have scored 40 points in two consecutive playoff games. The trailblazers backcourt has also played well, outplaying James Harden on the offensive and defensive end while making key baskets to put games away for this team. In conclusion, the trailblazers have the potential to blaze through their first round matchup. Golden State Warriors Although the chances of the warriors actually pulling off a first round upset are slim, Stephen Curry has proven time and time again that he can step up in difficult situations.Although it hasn't been visible so far in the playoffs, Curry's impact on the warriors has been vast.According to NBA.com,Curry hasn't yet recorded a game with under 7 assists so far in the warrior's first round matchup.In conclusion,as long as a team has the splash brothers leading the way, there is always a chance of an upset. Having captured the Eastern Conference's first seed at least for the time being, the Miami Heat look well on their way to secure home court advantage throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs.Led by Lebron's sizzling effort is Wade's absence, the heat have began to look like the team that won the title last season. But even if Lebron continues to play well and the heat find a way to win it all once again, what would it mean to the players and how would it impact the franchise itself? Listed here are three steps the franchise should take if they were to win a fourth consecutive ring.
Step 1: Replace the Veterans Veterans have been a key components of the heats success for the past 3 years,and if it weren't for Ray Allen's clutch three at the end of game 6 of last year's finals we wouldn't have been about a three peat for the Miami Heat. Yet father time has taken its toll on heat's bench, and Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Chris Anderson, and Rashard Lewis should all be taking retirement seriously this offseason. In the case of the retirement of one or more of these players, the heat would need to find younger players who could proudly call themselves good backups for the big three. With Dwyane Wade not poised to play big minutes next season, the heat would need seriously good backups to set themselves up for another title run next season. Step 2:Resign the big three With Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh all possibly hitting free agency this offseason, the heat should do everything in their power to resign the three all stars who have led this team to the finals for the past three seasons. Although Lebron James has been truly fantastic for the past few seasons ,the burden of being a lone superstar will eventually tie its toll on him if D-Wade and Chris Bosh aren't there to help the king carry it. Any team led by Lebron James should at least get to the second round of the playoffs: but, if the Heat are looking for a 4 -peat, they should seriously consider bringing back the big three. Step 3: Find a young , skilled player willing to play 20 minutes a game Shane Battier has already made up his mind about retiring season, and the Heat's second unit will sorely miss his presence unless the franchise can find a good replacement for the 35 year old sniper.Although experience has helped the Miami Heat win their last 2 championship, they are the oldest team in the league and need someone off the bench, aside from Norris Cole, who can start a fast brake. An acquisition of a player like Gordon Hayward will have a vast impact on whether or not the franchise can truly contend next season. Does anyone on this planet still remember Paul George's exceptional start to the 2013-2014 season? Most people's answer to this question will likely be a "no".This is because,since his incredible play throughout the first 20 games of the season, Paul George's status as one of this leagues premier small forwards has greatly declined. Although he is still extremely Athletic , a talented defender, and an unstoppable scorer when he is actually hot,but he has been inconsistent on the defensive end, and he shoots in low percentages on a nightly basis. In addition, the pacers are quickly losing their lead over the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference's top seed and have lost 4 of their last 10. This may be because of Paul George's negative impact on the team, for he has shot just 42% from the field while making just 36% from downtown this season. To add to this, his assists and rebounds per game have both gone down from last season. These numbers lead many to question his ability as the as the face of the Pacers franchise. Here is a look at whether or not Paul George fits the ideal requirements of a superstar:
1.Talent We saw this at the begining of this season, and we still see flashes of it from time to time. Paul George has the ability to make just about every shot inside the 3 point line. In addition to this, he can become a lock down defender when needed, as well as good of a rebounder as any small forward in this league determined. Although he has been failing to find his rhythm of late, Paul George is as talented as any player in the NBA. 2.The ability to help a team win games Earlier this season, when Paul George was one of this leagues most explosive players, it looked as if he truly had this ability.Yet being double-teamed on nightly basis has weathered him down, and he has not been a great contributor to Pacers victories over his last40 games. It has taken all Lance Stephenson, David West, and Roy Hilbert have had to keep this team afloat, and it is looking as if Paul George has failed this category. Unless he can step up again before the end of this season, it would be far- fetched to say Paul George has the ability to help his team win games when needed. 3.Leadership The veteran leader of the Indiana Pacers has been David West, not Paul George. Therefore he fails yet another category.Some may say that Paul George helps to make his team better and therefore is a great leader, but his 3.5 assists per game say otherwise. The Verdict Although Paul George is extremely talented and is among the league's most Athletic and explosive player, he is not deserving of the title of a superstar. By Anonymous Co-Editor
The Philadelphia 76ers are on a devastating 26 game losing streak, tying the NBA record for most games lost in a row , which was previously recorded by the 2010-2011 Cleveland Cavaliers . Each one of these 26 games by the 76ers have been lost by an average of 17.1 points per game. This losing streak began at the trade deadline when Spencer Hawes, Evan Turner, and Lavoy Allen were traded away from this team. Some explanations for this disaster are the 76ers' offensive and defensive efficiency rank. Their offensive efficiency rank is dead last in the league , and their defense hasn't been much better. These two reasons have played a large role in their atrocious losing streak. Not to mention the loss of Spencer Hawes, who was averaging 13.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game . Don't forget Evan Turner who was also adding 15.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. All these items stacked up on top of each other have really affected this team and pushed them into this horrible state. Although Carmelo Anthony has had yet another high scoring season, it does not seem as if the rest of the New York Knicks have kept up with him. Although recently the Knicks have been the winners of 8 straight games, they are still owners of the 9th seed in the struggling eastern conference. This leads us to the question, can the Knicks build a title contender around Anthony?. In his book, titled 11 rings, Phil Jackson states that a true superstar" is not measured by his play, but how much better he makes his teamates."It has not seemed as if Anthony has made his teamates any better this season, and it has been visible in the Knicks sub .500 record. J.R Smith has lost his title as the leagues premier 6th man, Iman Shumpert has had an extremely dissapointing season, and Amare Stoudemire has averaged less than 15 points per game. Raymond Felton has even earned a new title: the leagues worst starting point guard. This makes us all question Melo's distributing skills, as well as his on and off court leadership skills. To add to this, Carmelo Anthony has never, in his 10 years in the league, led a team past the second round of the playoffs. Although, to Carmelo's defense, he did lead the league in scoring last season while distributing the ball just enough for J.R Smith to receive the sixth man of the year award. In argument to this, it wasn't Carmelo's leadership that inspired the Knicks to have such a great record last season, but Jason Kidd's. With him gone to coach the Nets this season, the Knicks have had a significantly worse 29-41 record.In conclusion, although Carmelo's lovable style of play constantly gets fans on their feet, a title contender simply cannot be built around him.
Indiana Pacers-Paul George
Paul George may be the lone star on this list- because NBA's other stars have proven to be consistent. This hasn't been the case for the Paul George of late, the Paul George that has shot in horrifying precentages and has taken a step back in defense. He still has his moments, but I fear we will constantly see the not so good side of the player who did such an incredible job in last years conference finals. Unless George starts understanding that his God-given Athleticism doesn't give him an excuse to slack off- it looks like the Pacers are headed for yet another conference finals exit. Golden state Warriors- Harrison Barnes Here is another dud that was surprsingly dominant in last years playoffs. Ever since Barnes has not played like himself, shooting just 40.5% from the field. Although he has shown signs of vast potential, Harrison Barnes isn't nearly the same player he was last year.If Barnes were to find some way to be productive in limited minutes and take over the role of a sixth man, every team in the league would need to pray that they don't have to take on the warriors in the playoffs. San Antonio Spurs-Father time The Big Fundamental , Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili have all had solid seasons, leading the Spurs to a league best 49-16 record. While they have all played exceptionally well on the court, it is what occurs off the court that worries me. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan rarely play back to backs, while Tony Parker has spent much of his time watching spurs Games from the bench. Manu Ginobili has been cautiously limited in playing time and has not had the chance to be extremely productive of late. Although the San Antonio Spurs have three of the most talented and experienced players to play the game and one of the leagues top coaches, it is looking as if father time has caught up to the big three Oklahoma city thunder: Russell Westbrook
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