NBA postseason

Playoff time in the NBA

The NBA playoffs for 2017 will be kicking off over the Easter weekend with the preseason notions of a championship rematch between Cleveland-Golden State not a certainty. The Cavs slowed down the stretch and finished behind Boston the the East Conference race. Golden State, while still in the top spot for the Western Conference, had a few down moments and injury concerns during the season. Will they be able to stand up physically to the playoff grind? The coming weeks will tell.

As for my prediction...I'm going with the San Antonio Spurs for the title!!

Picking the First Round:

Eastern Conference

Boston (1) vs Chicago (8)

Many feel this one has upset potential as they think Rajon Rondo will be at his best against his old team.

In the end, the Celtics are more balanced than the Bulls and deeper in the frontcourt. There will be moments where the Bulls look the goods but not for the whole series.

Celtics 4-2

Cleveland (2) vs Indiana (7)

In years past, this may have been the marquee match-up of the conference but this season, the Cavs are hoping to not let it go more than say five games.

Cavs 4-1

Toronto Raptors (3) vs Milwaukee Bucks (6)

This one may be the most entertaining of the first round clashes. The ever improving Thon Maker could be the X-Factor for the young Bucks and they may well pull off the upset here and move forward.

Bucks 4-3

Washington (4) vs Atlanta (5)

Will the survivor of this one have enough left to challenge in the next round? Washington should move forward with hopefully enough energy to contend.

Washington 4-3

Western Conference

Golden State (1) vs Portland (8)

The Warriors will be hoping to avoid wear and tear in this one so they will be like the Cavs in not wanting it to go more than five, ideally four. 

Warriors 4-0

San Antonio (2) vs Memphis (7)

Memphis has been known to give the Spurs a tough time in the playoffs but not so much this season. Sub plot...Gasol vs Gasol!

Spurs 4-1

Houston (3) vs Oklahoma City (6)

Rockets should take the series...sub plot ... should Harden be MVP if Rockets do?

Rockets 4-2

LA Clippers (4) vs Utah (5)

Will LA falter before the second round this season? Utah presents a unique challenge for the Clippers and it could go seven. If it does, the Jazz will play on.

Jazz 4-3

NCAA Championship pick

Championship showdown in the desert

Gonzaga vs North Carolina

The NCAA Men's Basketball season will finish on Monday night/Tuesday morning Aussie time when Gonzaga make their first appearance in the NCAA title game.

In some circles, the Zags are actually favoured over the pedigreed Tarheels.

Down the the game, the teams match up quite evenly with the inside game nearly a wash but a slight edge to Carolina in athleticism. In the back court, a lot hinges on the ankles of Joel Berry II from the Carolina side of things. On the wings, Gonzaga will face relentless attackers Theo Pinson and Justin Jackson so they will need to stay out of foul trouble.

Things could be decided on bench play specifically Nate Britt and Luke Maye from Carolina along against the contributions of Zach Collins from Gonzaga.

In my Bracket at the start of the tourney, I picked the Tarheels by 75-67...might as well stick with that scenario. 

Prediction:

Carolina by 8

Until next season...