The 2013 NBA Playoffs will begin in 10 days, the season concludes in a week. As of now, the playoff picture is set. Here are predictions for who moves on into the second round of the playoffs. Here's what the current playoff picture looks like.
Miami Heat (1) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (8): Miami Heat Win 4-0
The Heat own this series 3-1 and once the playoffs roll around, you know who (Hint: LeBron James) won't be taking anything for granted. The Bucks are a sub .500 team. It should be an easy disposal for the Heat.
New York Knicks (2) vs. Boston Celtics (7): Knicks Win 4-1
The Knicks will be looking to get payback on the Celtics for sweeping them out of the playoffs in 2010. The Knicks are hot at the right time and with a week left of basketball. Carmelo Anthony is playing the best ball of his life at the right time. Celtics simply have no chance.
Indiana Pacers (3) vs. Atlanta Hawks (6)- Pacers Win 4-1
The Pacers have too much defense and the Hawks always do a great job getting to the playoffs, but that's where their season ends. This matchup is in a limbo as the Hawks are just half a game behind the Bulls in the standings. If the Pacers face Chicago, it will be a completely different story.
Brooklyn Nets (4) vs. Chicago Bulls (5)- Click here to read my predictions for this battle.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
San Antonio Spurs (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (8)- Spurs in 5 Games
The Lakers are hopeful, but they haven't even secured the playoff spot and the Utah Jazz's postseason future is more secure than the Lakers. Whoever survives out of the West's last spot will lose regardless, so it doesn't matter.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2) vs. Houston Rockets (7)- OKC in 5 Games
You have to give the Rockets the benefit of the doubt that their sharp shooters can break through against the Thunder. So they can win one game. How great would it be for James Harden to defeat the team that beat him. As much as this would be the perfect example of poetic justice, it's also wishful thinking. Rockets can't matchup in a series against OKC.
Denver Nuggets (3) vs. Golden State Warriors (6): Nuggets in 6 Games
This should be a high scoring series if it goes down. The Warriors are clinging to a one-game lead over the Rockets. Again though, similar to the Spurs situation, you have to like the Nuggets over both of these teams regardless.
Los Angeles Clippers (4) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (5) Clippers in 7 Games
These two teams went at it in 2012 and the Clippers walked out victorious. However, they will once again have to prove themselves as the righteous owners of the No. 4 spot. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have only gotten better in 2013. Let's see how far they can go.