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