A Brief Glance at the NBA Playoffs

Since the NBA MVP award is based on the regular season, there are no updates or rankings for the players in contention for the individual honor. This week, I will give my predictions for this year's Round 1 match-ups in the NBA playoffs, which got underway last Saturday.


Western Conference

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks: This match-up features two successful Texas franchises. Gregg Popovich, who was just awarded Coach of the Year, will lead his Spurs to a Round 1 victory. Spurs in 5 games.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have been one of the best teams in the NBA throughout the past month, as they rallied late in the season to make the playoffs. The Thunder's Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are on a mission to win their first NBA Championship though. Thunder in 6 games.

(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) Golden State Warriors: Many are calling this the best 1st round match-up in the playoffs. The Warriors had a disappointing regular season, while the Clippers look to elevate themselves to an elite Western Conference team. It will be a great, back-and-forth series, but I like the Clippers in 7 games.

(Chris Paul and the Clippers take on the Warriors in the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs)

(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers: In Game 1, the Blazers outlasted the Rockets 122-120 in overtime in what has been the best game of the playoffs so far. I think James Harden and Dwight Howard get back on track, and Houston wins the series in 7 games.

Eastern Conference

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks: The Pacers have been in an absolute free fall in the 2nd half of the season. Reports are now saying that Indiana coach Frank Vogel needs to win this series if he wants to keep his job. I think the Pacers get their act together and win the series. Pacers in 6 games.

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats: Miami took care of the Bobcats easily in Game 1 with a 99-88 victory at home. The Bobcats also learned that Al Jefferson injured his foot during the game, and won't be back to 100% for the rest of the series. Heat in 5 games.

(Lebron looks to lead the Miami Heat to a 3rd straight championship)

(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets: The Nets stole Game 1 in Toronto, only to have the Raptors win Game 2. With the series tied 1-1 headed back to New York, I think this could be a great, 7 game series. I think the Nets, with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, have the upper-hand with so much playoff experience. Nets in 7 games.

(4) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Washington Wizards: Washington has shocked every basketball fan by winning both games in Chicago. With a 2-0 series lead, the Wizards head back to the nation's capital with an opportunity to finish out the series. I think the Bulls make an admirable comeback in the series, but Washington pulls it out in the final game. Wizards in 7 games.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Wrapping up the NBA Regular Season

The 2013-2014 NBA regular season is over. Every player on all 30 teams have made their case for why they should be the NBA MVP. Since the Most Valuable Player award is a regular season honor, this week will be my last entry where I predict the top five players in the MVP race. Next week I will recap the season and look forward as the playoffs are starting to get under way. Consider these my predictions for when the NBA announces the 2013-2014 MVP in a few weeks:


1. Kevin Durant- Durant and Lebron were neck and neck for this award just a few weeks ago. Durant's play heightened in the last month of the season and the Oklahoma City Thunder played great basketball, while Lebron and the Heat struggled to finish out the season. It is almost guaranteed that the Oklahoma City superstar will take home this award for his stellar play all year.

2. Lebron James- The Miami Heat small forward is still recognized as the best basketball player on the planet, but Durant stole the award this year with his leadership and consistent play. James finished the year averaging 27.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 6.4 APG, which are incredible numbers that prove how dynamic and well-rounded a player he is. Lebron leads the Heat into the playoffs, where he is looking to win his third straight championship.

3. Blake Griffin- Blake has really turned the corner this year and cemented himself as a bona fide NBA superstar. He finishes the year with averages of 24.1 PPG and 9.5 RPG, which make him one of the best scorers and rebounds in the league.

(Blake Griffin has enjoyed a breakout year for the Clippers)

4. Joakim Noah- Noah's numbers haven't been overly impressive and his team has had to fight to gain respect as a legitimate contender. What makes Noah special is the value he brings to the Bulls. Without their center, the Chicago Bulls would most likely be one of the worst teams in the NBA. Noah's leadership, intensity, and defense are the reasons why he will get a few votes for MVP.

5. James Harden- Harden finishes the year averaging 25.4 PPG, 6.1 APG, and 4.7 RPG. Just like Blake Griffin, Harden has established himself among the NBA's elite with his impressive season. The duo of James Harden and Dwight Howard will look to take the Rockets deep in the playoffs.

(James Harden deserves a couple MVP votes after his breakout year)

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update! See you guys next week.

-Kyle Berka

James Acknowledges Durant as MVP

A few weeks ago, it looked like this year's MVP award could go down to the final game of the season. Both Kevin Durant and Lebron James have had incredible seasons, and both are the main reasons why their teams sit atop the NBA standings. In recent weeks, Durant has gained some separation in what has been one of the closest MVP races in recent memory.


1. Kevin Durant- The 25-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder star is just entering his prime. Durant will most likely win the NBA scoring title, averaging 32.0 PPG. To go along with his scoring, KD ranks second on his team in assists and rebounds. Earlier this week, Lebron came out and admitted Durant is on the verge of winning his first MVP.

2. Lebron James- The Heat have clearly put a greater importance on health and rest over home court advantage in the playoffs. Coach Erik Spoelstra has decided to rest a few of his starters to get them healthy and rested for the postseason. The team has looked to Lebron to carry the team in the last few games of the season to potentially get them home court throughout the playoffs. Chalk this up as another outstanding season for Lebron, but he will most likely finish second in the MVP voting.

(Lebron clearly trails Durant for the 2013-2014 NBA MVP award)

3. Blake Griffin- With Griffin putting up remarkable numbers and the Los Angeles Clippers emerging as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference, the power forward should absolutely be in the MVP discussion. Earlier this week, Griffin's coach Doc Rivers lobbied for his player, saying he should be above Lebron James in the MVP voting.

4. Joakim Noah- On Wednesday night in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Noah recorded his fourth triple-double of the season, which leads the NBA. The center's passion and defense have motivated the Bulls in the second half of the season.

(Joakim Noah's versatility could carry the Bulls deep into the playoffs)

5. Stephen Curry- Curry's Golden State Warriors are looking like they will wrap up the #6 seed in the Western Conference, which would set up a first round matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Curry has been the floor general for the Warriors all season, leading the team in points, assists, and steals.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Lebron, Heat Jump Past Pacers for #1 Seed in East

Not much has changed in the NBA MVP race over the past week. Kevin Durant has continued to put up impressive numbers for the Thunder while Lebron and the rest of the NBA do their best to dethrone Durant, who sits atop the list of MVP candidates. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have surpassed the struggling Indiana Pacers for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference.


1. Kevin Durant- Durant has been playing with a chip on his shoulder all season. Whether it was the talk of not winning a championship or MVP yet, being in Lebron's shadow, or the Thunder having a disappointing postseason, the small forward out of the University of Texas deserves this year's MVP award, hands down.

(Durant has clearly been the best player in the NBA so far)

2. Lebron James- With Dwayne Wade, Ray Allen, and Greg Oden all sidelined due to injuries, James has carried the Heat over the past few weeks. The Heat, who just took the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference from the Pacers, look like they could be the team to beat in the East as they get healthy.

3. Joakim Noah- Noah has been the leader of the Chicago Bulls all season, both on and off of the court. His numbers show his versatility, averaging 12.5 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 5.2 APG, and 1.5 BPG, but he has been the leader of the Chicago Bulls emotionally, who will most likely enter the playoffs hosting a first round series.

4. Blake Griffin- The Los Angeles Clippers' power forward has been limited in the past week due to back spasms. The Clippers have wrapped up a top three seed in the Western Conference, so my guess is they will be cautious when dealing with Griffin's injury to make sure he is 100% for the playoffs. Griffin has absolutely been one of the most valuable players to his team this year, and will be a player to watch closely in the postseason.

(The Clippers need Blake Griffin healthy if they expect to go deep in the playoffs)

5. James Harden- The Rockets have struggled recently, losing three straight games to the Clippers, Nets, and Raptors. In the trio of defeats, Harden has averaged 28.0 PPG, 5.7 APG, and 4.7 RPG. In order for Harden and the Rockets to take the next step as a player and franchise, Houston must win at least one playoff series.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka