Contenders, Pretenders, and Sleepers for the 2014 NBA Playoffs

The NBA is a league where in the playoffs the better teams wins most of the time. So the low-seeded upsets we all love in the NCAA are far and few between around this time of year. This makes it easier to pick the Contenders but definitely proposes a difficult choice as to who the Pretenders and hardest of all the Sleepers are of the NBA playoffs.

Contenders- Excellent chance of at least reaching the Conference Finals
Pretenders- Slim chances of making it much further than the 2nd round
Sleeper-Potential to make a deep run

Miami Heat

How can you not pick the back-back defending World Champions led by the 2nd best player in the world. Yeah, I said it. LeBron James has officially lost his title as best player in the world. I know that LeBron will turn on the switch for the playoffs and show us all why he's truly the best in the world but as of now that honor goes to Kevin Durant. If you didn't know, the Heat's playoff success correlates to the health and good play of Dwyane Wade. But would I be crazy to say that the Heat's x-factor is actually one of the other role players for Miami. Ranging from starter Chris Bosh all the way to the Birdman or the return of Greg Oden. The Heat are a bunch of veterans with playoff experience who should have no problem breezing through the soft Eastern Conference. In fact, Charlotte probably poses the toughest threat for the Heat. Call me crazy but the Heat struggle mightily against big men and this is exactly what the Bobcats have in Al Jefferson. I think the Heat win the series 4-2 and advance to the easier of the 2nd round matchup against the Raptors. From there they get either the slumping Pacers or the anemic offense of the Bulls. It appears that Miami is heading back to the Finals.

San Antonio Spurs 

The Spurs are such a boring team to watch. They out coach you, wear you down, and then just flat out beat whoever they're playing. They are good every year and somehow when Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green both go down with injury they don't blink an eye on their way to best record in the league. Meanwhile, they sit Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, and Tim Duncan throughout the season while calmly posting a 38-14 conference record. They even lucked out with the 1st round matchup against the Mavericks. This will take less of a toll on them than the gritty Memphis team that the #2 seeded Thunder will face. In the next round, the Spurs would get a matchup with either the Trail Blazers or Rockets, two teams that prefer not to play defense. A formula that we've seen not work in the playoffs year after year. Their is no doubt that the Thunder will be the toughest matchup for the Spurs as San Antonio was 0-4 vs. OKC this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder
I know I just picked the 3 favorites to win the title as my contenders. But that's the way it is in the NBA. The best teams just tend to win the games because unlike the NCAA tournament's one win and you move on, the teams must win 4 of 7 games, a system in which the better teams usually wins out. The Thunder will have the hardest road to the NBA Finals though. They get no reward for finishing 2nd in the West. OKC will have to match up with a Grizzlies team that finished 7th in the West because of injuries. With Gasol and Randolph at full strength, this Memphis team is more of a 4 or 5 seed. Don't forget that Memphis went to the Western Conference Finals last season. I believe OKC wins in 6 or 7 which could wear them down throughout the playoffs while the other contenders are looking at sweeps or 5 game series. OKC then would most likely see a face off with a Clippers team who was fighting with OKC for that 2 seed until the last game of the season. It is crazy to think that with all the publicity the Thunder got this season, they could have been a 3 seed entering the playoffs. The first 2 rounds for the Thunder could theoretically be tougher than a Western Conference Final with the Spurs whom they've owned so far this year. But I'm not going to say that facing the best team in the league is easier than playing anyone else. We all know how good KD is. The success of the Thunder relies on Westbrook's willingness to share the ball as well as the play of the big men. Serge Ibaka has been struggling this season while Kendrick Perkins has been a nightmare. If the OKC big men rise to the occasion, I believe the Thunder will be World Champions.

Pretenders

Indiana Pacers 

The Pacers could not have started the year any better nor could they have finished it any worse. It is crazy to think that the #1 seed in the East could be considered a Pretender but the way Indiana is playing it makes sense. The key to the Pacers deep run last season was the excellent play of Roy Hibbert who this season has been virtually non-existent. Throw in the fact that Lance Stephenson has been taking late game shots instead of Indiana's best player Paul George and you have a recipe for disaster. Fortunately for the Pacers they play in the East so they should be able to advance through the 1st round but I would not be surprised if Chicago beat them in the 2nd round.

Portland Trail Blazers/ Houston Rockets 

The Trail Blazers and Rockets get grouped into the Pretender category together because of their 1st round matchup. While one team has to advance, I believe whoever that may be will lose in 5 games to the Spurs. The Trail Blazers burst out of the gates this year similar to the Pacers only to realize that it's a marathon not a sprint. They have an unbelievable young core and with a good offseason could be considered a Contender next season. For the Rockets, it all boils down to Dwight Howard. Ever since his departure from Orlando, he has been a different player. In addition, he is always hobbled with injuries. James Harden is an excellent player but he isn't good enough to carry the Rockets past a deep Spurs team especially with the under performance of Chandler Parsons.

Sleeper

Chicago Bulls 

My sleeper comes from the East by way of the Chicago Bulls. The two things that frighten me bout Chicago is there lack of scorer without Derrick Rose but more importantly the heart/hustle aspect of the playoffs. To touch on the latter, The Bulls play with unmatched passion and intensity throughout the Regular Season. But as we so often hear about teams like the Heat is the ability to turn on the switch in the playoffs. My question is, is the switch already on for Chicago? Can the Bulls take it up a notch? It is hard to imagine they can but I'm never going to doubt Joakim Noah nor coach Tom Thibodeau. Joakim Noah played like an MVP this season and a team with a spectacular defense always has a chance in the playoffs. Add in the fact that they get the Pacers rather than the Heat in the 2nd round. The Bulls inability to score at times could be problematic but they definitely have the pieces to at least reach the ECF or potentially make it all the way to the Finals.

NBA Playoff Predictions- Sportacular Sports

I know all you NBA fans won't want to hear me say this, but I'm a College Basketball fan at heart. With that being said though, as I scanned the NBA Playoff matchups, I got a little giddy. In most first round matchups, the 4-5 and 3-6 games are of most interest but this season the 2-7 games are actually pretty intriguing.

Heat vs. Bucks
The Miami Heat have been by far the most dominant team all year. They have the best player in the world right now in LeBron James and his sidekick Dwyane Wade ain't that bad either. Throw in the knock down shooters off the bench and the playoff experience of the Heat veterans and you have a clear favorite. While I don't think the Bucks have any chance of taking down Miami, this series could be entertaining based off the fact that the Bucks can shoot the ball. They have Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis, JJ Redick, and Ersan Illyasova to stretch the floor. Add Larry Sanders to protect the rim and I think this series goes farther than expected. Miami in 6.

Thunder vs. Lakers
If Kobe Bryant were playing in this series, I think it goes 7. Without their leader and top scorer the Lakers, you would think, should pose no threat. But think about this team without Kobe. They still possess the top 1-2 punch in the league between Howard and Gasol. L.A. has a 2 time MVP point guard in Steve Nash and the surprising play of Earl Clark to help them out. The Lakers aren't terrible without Bryant they're just not good enough to beat OKC. Thunder in 5.

Knicks vs. Celtics
Wow. A 2-7 matchup between two historical power houses. While NYK has only won one playoff game in the past 11 years, they are still always at the center of the basketball universe. Carmelo Anthony is blazing hot right now and so are the Knicks. After a promising start to the season, the Knicks slid a little but are now right back at the top. For the Celtics, they'll obviously be without their top Point Guard Rajon Rondo, but am I really going to doubt Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Shocker. Upset Alert. Boston in 6. (Melo please prove me wrong)

Spurs vs.Warriors
No one under 85 years old on this earth enjoys watching the San Antonio Spurs play. They aren't exciting, they play good defense, and they just win games. But if you are looking for some exciting basketball in a Spurs game, check out this kid Stephen Curry. He became big after he took Davidson to a magical Elite 8 run in his college days and hasn't stopped since. Curry can explode for 50 at any moment. I believe he's the best pure shooter in the game right now and he isn't afraid to fire. Golden State has plenty of decent players, David Lee, Klay Thompson, and Harrison Barnes. I think the Warriors win a few games, call it a season, and continue to build on their young team. Spurs in 5.

Pacers vs. Bulls
Unfortunately for basketball fans, it appears that Derrick Rose will NOT be returning this season. While I think it is the RIGHT decision, it's not going to make Bulls fans happy. With Rose, the Bulls can compete for an NBA title. Without him they'll fall in 7 to the Pacers. The Bulls will be happy to match Indiana's physical play, which has been deemed the way to beat the Heat. The Pacers are the favorite right now to take down the Heat if any team can do so but a grueling 7 game series with the Bulls won't help. Once again, Pacers in 7.

Nuggets vs. Rockets
This without a doubt will be your most exciting playoff series. If you like points, like most people do, your going to get a ton in this series. Denver and Houston both prefer to play offense and put up big numbers rather than lock each other down. Just check their last game on April 6. 132-114? Even for NBA standards that's a lot of offense. James Harden could be the deciding factor in the series but I think the Nuggets have too much depth. We'll have to watch and see how the loss of Gallinari hurts Denver in this series. For now, Nuggets in 5.

Nets vs. Hawks
Finally, we've reached the 4-5 matchups and I'm sad to say I'm not as intrigued as the games above. Don't get me wrong both these series should go no shorter than 6 or 7 games but I actually don't think they will. The Nets have a younger looking Deron Williams right now paired up with ex-Hawk Joe Johnson. While I don't think the Nets can compete for the title, they're making a step in the right direction. The Hawks have a Josh Smith who is a great player but would rather be playing somewhere else. I say Brooklyn in a sweep. 4 to zippo.

Clippers vs. Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have held their own since trading their Superstar Rudy Gay before the deadline. Although they have held their own, I don't see them holding up in the playoffs. In a rematch of last year's first round matchup (Clippers in 7), I see Chris Paul calmly leading his team to the next round. If the Clippers do move on, I'm very excited to see the high flying LAC squad against the light it up Thunder team. Clippers in 5.

Thank you guys for reading (if you made it this far) comment below your predictions.

#PrayForBoston

Sportacular Sports Morning Recap

Tuesday, January 8th Morning headlines
(Recapping the Sports headlines from Monday, January 7th)

Alabama Crimson Tide-42
Notre Dame Fighting Irish-14
Obviously the big news comes from the National Championship blowout last night. Alabama destroyed Notre Dame 42-14. Under appreciated quarterback, AJ McCarron threw for 4 touchdowns and improved to 25-2 as a starter. He now has 2 National Championships under his belt and looked extremely poised in his untouched pocket last night. The kids awesome and his girlfriend is beautiful as well. I feel bad for Senior Linebacker Manti Te'o who's unbelievable defense got lit up on National Television. Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon were superb and Nick Saban captured his 3rd title in 4 years. It's hard to imagine any top recruit looking for a ring won't be headed to Tuscaloosa. The best way to recruit would be to keep winning National Championships. Nick Saban is not going to leave this dynasty for the Cleveland Browns, so recruits definitely have some security. Roll Tide!

Washington Wizards-101
Oklahoma City Thunder-99

I didn't get a chance to watch this game but just from my readings I know the Wiz played a great game. Durant dropped 29 being himself but the Wizards captured another magical victory Monday Night. This all comes without star Point Guard John Wall. With wins over Miami and now OKC, the Wizards could have some positives going forward.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat

Sportacular Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder (21-5) vs. Miami Heat (18-6)

The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Miami to face the Heat in a rematch of last years NBA Finals. After winning an MVP and NBA title last season LeBron has returned this season on the same mission. Win an NBA title. Oklahoma City has showed no sign of slowing down even after the James Harden trade. Kevin Durant has been a superstar and Russel Westbrook's shot selection has been good enough. Owning the top record in the league, Oklahoma City faces a tough test on Christmas Day.

Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder come into this matchup winning 4 out of their last 5. Their recent
10+ game winning streak just ended but their are no signs of slowing down. Russel Westbrook is having his best career season averaging 9 assists and 2 steals a game. The Thunder look to end their 9 game road losing streak on Christmas Day.

Miami Heat
LeBron James said this week, "It's not my job to lead the league in scoring." He included he believes he could indeed but prefers being a team player. In mentioning that, James has scored 20+ points in all 24 games this season. In addition, LeBron hasn't committed a foul in 6 games. Whether or not that is favoritism from some referees, James has been on a tear this season. As I said earlier, LeBron is looking to be back in the NBA Finals again this season.

Prediction;
The two top players in the league will be going at it back and forth. The one element that separates the two is LeBron's defensive presence. That factor combined with home court advantage will lead to a Heat victory.

Final Score:
Heat-106 Thunder-100

Sportacular Sports- Are the Oklahoma City Thunder in trouble?

Are the Thunder in trouble?

Tony Parker weathered the storm (no pun intended) last night with his buzzer-beating jumper that pushed the Spurs past the Thunder last night. Being the first game, it would seem silly to think that the Thunder could possibly be in trouble but after Harden's masterful debut Wednesday Night it's hard not to ponder.

Let's clear this up immediately. Long term, no doubt, this was very beneficial for the Thunder because OKC had a slim chance of resigning him after the season. In addition, they grab a top ten pick and possibly 2 more after that. Now that we can move past that topic we can focus on the Thunder's chances this season.

Personally, I think the Harden trade kills them. It's not because they fell to an older San Antonio teaqm it is rather Harden's superb performance in his debut. Harden had 30 points, 12 assists, 6 boards, and 4 steals. Add the fact that his beard had 7 points and a block and you have Houston Rocket's management raving about this trade. Harden's number brings up this thought for OKC fans. How much Harden could have been.

Besides his beard, Harden was hardly ever the main guy. He came off the bench and didn't even get as much attention as Westbrook and Durant's poor relationship. Harden came off the bench for multiple reasons, none being though that he wasn't capable to be a starter. Maybe now that Harden will have the ball for most of the time he's on the floor it will be a better situation for him. But all I can think about is the fire powered Lakers. If you read my other article, you would know I'm still high on L.A. this season. Frankly, I don't see OKC being able to compete without James Harden. Durant is without a doubt the best pure scorer in the league but LeBron can do so much more than KD that the Thunder needed that extra aspect which Harden brought to the hardwood. OKC will be extremely competitive but without Harden I don't give them much of a chance to escape the Western Conference.

Prediction: Upset by Clippers in 2nd round or Eliminated by Los Angeles in Western Conference Finals