2020 NBA Playoff Preview
By: Cam Hawkins
CLEVELAND, Ohio. — In an unprecedented time, the NBA is supplying the sports world with a dosage of excitement as the postseason approaches. Featuring an unique format, immense safety protocols, the product has outlasted the adverse conditions and has set the bar for other professional sports. With an onslaught of intriguing playoff matchups, there is much to highlight and detail about the themes in the upcoming games.
Don’t Believe the Hype: #1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #8 Portland Blazers
Prediction: Lakers 4–1 (Gentleman’s Sweep)
The spotlight is casted on the recent offensive performances from Damian Lillard, averaging 46.2 ppg in his last four contests, but Portland’s defensive woes are vastly undermined. Ranking 27th overall in defensive rating (114.3) and allowing an average of 110 ppg in the bubble, the Blazers face an uphill battle versus Los Angeles. Their star-studded guard tandem can and will create favorable matchups against a depleted Lakers’ backcourt, but it is the front court that comes into question and the defensive presence throughout the series. The Lakers enter the series as the third ranked defense while leading the league in FG percentage (48%). In short, the Blazers have more to prove than the Lakers have to worry about.
Legacy on the Line: #4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #5 Houston Rockets
Prediction: Thunder 4–3
Westbrook and CP3 will get their first playoff taste against their former teams, but with slightly different incentives. The Thunder exceeded all expectations this year because no one saw this type of success after shipping off two starters in blockbuster trades. Their triumph is a testament to the strong leadership of Chris Paul and the aspiring young talent in the supporting cast. On the contrary, Houston is campaigning that small ball can work in the playoffs. The offensive firepower is apparent and they are a better defensive team than people give them credit for. James Harden and Robert Covington rank second and third in the NBA for steals and collectively the Rockets are third overall. The health of Westbrook will be a strong determinant on the outcome but either way I see this being a physical, long-lasting series with a slight advantage to OKC.
New Rivals: #4 Miami Heat vs. #5 Indiana Pacers
Prediction: Heat 4–2
Jimmy Butler is renown for having a chip on his shoulder with opponents and even teammates, he is that type of competitor. In his first year with Miami, Butler alongside Bam Adebayo has brought them back to contender status and his leadership is permeating through this young roster. The Pacers have always been a pesky opponent in the Eastern conference playoffs. With the loss of Domantas Sabonis, T.J. Warren has tremendously stepped up to the challenge and turned heads at the bubble. Both ball clubs are very defensively sound and keep fresh legs on the court to play with tempo. With a matchup this even on paper, it will be the intangibles that will decide the outcome. Knowing the history of the T.J. Warren/Butler beef, this can easily be the most exciting series of the entire first round.
