The 2012 NBA Playoff Thread

[Mako]

As we all know the NBA playoffs are well underway. Already we have seen some shocking developments, like Derrick Rose's season ending injury, Amare Stoudemire missing games because he punched a fire extinguisher , and some others. I'm sure we will see a lot more exciting things to come as well. So, which team are you rooting for and what are your predictions for the first round and afterwards?

---

Eastern Conference

(1) CHICAGO vs. (8) Philadelphia


(2) MIAMI vs. (7) New York


(3) INDIANA vs. (6) Orlando


(4) BOSTON vs. (5) Atlanta

---

Western Conference

(1) SAN ANTONIO vs. (8) Utah


(2) OKLAHOMA CITY vs. (7) Dallas


(3) LOS ANGELES vs. (6) Denver


(4) MEMPHIS vs. (5) Los Angeles

[gtt]

not a big nba fan, but I'd love to see my Pacers back in the finals and you know, win them.

but this year its gonna be a... heat/Okc final, okc in 5.

[Fluffernutter]

Well, I've been on-again, off-again with the Sixers for about 12 years now. I would love to see them get past the Bulls, which is looking more and more plausible. The injuries of Rose, and now Noah, are definitely a shame, but man, if ever there were a time to capitalize, it would be now.

Heat and Thunder are gonna go far, and they could be finals match-up like gtt said. Spurs look good too.

I think the Lakers will make it out of the first round. Celtics and Pacers might. I don't know if Chris Paul can save the Clippers though...

[nintendokie84]

I think it will be the Thunder and Heat in the finals. I really hope it is. I don't know though it might be the Spurs from the west they are looking awesome.

[Ragnarokstorymaker]

The Pacers/Magic series is literally the most boring playoff series I have ever witnessed.

[bonesawisready]

I think the finals is going to be Heat/Spurs, and it will go to the Spurs as LeChoke will drop the ball (literally and figuratively) again.

[thisboywillbreak]

The Pacers/Magic series is literally the most boring playoff series I have ever witnessed.

. I only really like watching the Heat, Lakers, OKC, and Clippers. The other teams aren't as electric or interesting.

Spurs vs. Clippers = Spurs sweep.
Lakers vs. Thunder = Thunder advance in long series.
76ers vs. Celtics = Celtics advance.
Pacers vs. Heat = Heat easily advance.

Then:

Spurs vs. Thunder = Thunder advance in long series.
Celtics vs. Heat = Heat advance.

Finals:

Thunder vs. Heat = back and forth wins, with Durant getting a title before LeBron.*

* - I really want the Heat to win this year, though.

[Wonks]

Well, my Clippers are out. They had a good run.
Probably will route for the Pacers to win it all now.

[gtt]

Well, my Clippers are out. They had a good run.
Probably will route for the Pacers to win it all now.

I like the way you think.

[Mako]

Thunder vs Spurs is going to be a great series to watch. Both teams are playing very good basketball. I think it is safe to say whoever wins that series will go on to win the Finals. I don't think Boston can beat either of them, nor can Indiana/ Miami. Without Bosh Miami really isn't all that great with a lack of big men, so I'll be surprised if they even get by Indiana.

Overall, I have to say these playoffs are a bit disappointing. Not only because I don't have my team to root for (Detroit), but because of all the injuries that prevented teams to be at their best. No Dwight Howard, no Derrick Rose, no Chris Bosh, no Chauncey Billups, no Jeremy Lin, and so on. As long as Miami and LA don't win I'll be happy though, and so far with LA knocked out and Miami not being at their best, it looks like I have nothing to worry about.

[gtt]

Thunder vs Spurs is going to be a great series to watch. Both teams are playing very good basketball. I think it is safe to say whoever wins that series will go on to win the Finals. I don't think Boston can beat either of them, nor can Indiana/ Miami. Without Bosh Miami really isn't all that great with a lack of big men, so I'll be surprised if they even get by Indiana.

Overall, I have to say these playoffs are a bit disappointing. Not only because I don't have my team to root for (Detroit), but because of all the injuries that prevented teams to be at their best. No Dwight Howard, no Derrick Rose, no Chris Bosh, no Chauncey Billups, no Jeremy Lin, and so on. As long as Miami and LA don't win I'll be happy though, and so far with LA knocked out and Miami not being at their best, it looks like I have nothing to worry about.

I personally think that OKC is gonna just stomp all over everyone. but, I hope, I really hope my pacers can pull off a minor miracle.

and I love the idea of stern freaking out over the tv ratings of a OKC/Indiana Finals.

[Fluffernutter]

I'm still holding out hope for the Sixers...

In the event of their (inevitable ) elimination, I will also be rooting for the Pacers.

Though I agree,

Thunder vs Spurs is going to be a great series to watch. Both teams are playing very good basketball. I think it is safe to say whoever wins that series will go on to win the Finals.

[Wonks]

Alright... Clippers are gone. Pacers are gone. Go Thunder?

[luigi_owns]

Them refs like Boston

[gtt]

Alright... Clippers are gone. Pacers are gone. Go Thunder?

go anyone but miami!

[Fluffernutter]

Sadness...I don't know who to root for now.

[Mako]

go anyone but miami!

This. I was very happy when the Lakers were ousted, and I am hoping Miami will be next to go. With the four left I would be most happy with the Spurs winning, just because I love their coach and they don't have any arrogant super stars on their team. Spurs started off great winning game one, but I'm sure the Thunder will respond. Hopefully the Celtics sweep the Heat, although I doubt that will happen.

[Fluffernutter]

...but this year its gonna be a... heat/Okc final...

I think it will be the Thunder and Heat in the finals...

...Finals: Thunder vs. Heat...

Well after all the hubbub, the inevitable held true. OKC FTW? Or will LeBron finally get that ring...

[luigi_owns]

I like Miami, but it is HARD to bet agains't this OKC team. I do think Lebron will win the SF matchup, and I do think Miami will win in 7

[gtt]

my original prediction still holds. No matter who won tonight, OKC is gonna rock them.

[Wonks]

I'll be routing for the Thunder. In a weird sort of way, I want to see Lebron win a title...just not with the Heat.

[Mako]

I'm going to say Thunder in 6. They deserve a title so much more than Miami.

[gtt]

I'm going to say Thunder in 6. They deserve a title so much more than Miami.

I'm sticking with OKC in 5 baby!

[nintendokie84]

Thunder in 6 games. OKC is just to athletic for the Heat.

[Fluffernutter]

Hmmm. Well, this is interesting. I doubt OKC can win 3 straight at this point...