2014 SLOE First Round Playoff Predictions
Western Conference
Matchup: Suns v Spurs
Key Stats:
- Record: 58-24 v 38-44
- PPG: 112.4 v 105.1
- PPGA: 104.1 v 106.1
- Adjusted FG%: 52.9% v 50.2%
- Season Series: Suns up 4-0
On the surface, this doesn't look like it will be much of a competition. The Suns swept the Spurs in the regular season by an average of 12.75 points. The suns are coming off their first division title under GMessi and have the league's MVP. The Suns outperform the spurs in almost every metric. Even with a outstanding duo in Josh Smith and Russell Westbrook, I think the Suns take this series in 4 games.
Matchup: Jazz v Rockets
Key Stats:
- Record: 50-32 v 45-37
- PPG: 107.6 v 105.9
- PPGA: 102.6 v 102.7
- Adjusted FG%: 51.9% v 51.0%
- Season Series: Rockets up 3-1
This series is probably my favorite of the western conference. These two teams are so incredibly close statistically. The big difference? First year GM vs one of the longest tenured GMs in the league. Will it matter? I don't think so. The Jazz have home court, and I think that is the deciding factor in a very tight series. Jazz win in 7.
Matchup: Warriors v Mavericks
Key Stats:
- Record: 55-27 v 42-40
- PPG: 109.0 v 108.3
- PPGA: 103.5 v 108.6
- Adjusted FG%: 54.5% v 50.2%
- Season Series: Series tied at 2-2
In the surprise of the season, the Mavericks made the playoffs. While many GMs throughout the season have wondered why the Mavs wouldn't just tank, the Mav's GM had other plans, and put together a very solid team that may have a very slight chance at upsetting the Warriors. Jrue Holiday has finally adapted to the NBA game, and he will be key player in this series. The Warriors rank first in the league in 3 point shooting, but the Mavs are the 7th best team in the league at defending the 3. This is why I think the Warriors will struggle with the Mavs early on. I pick the Warriors in 6.
Matchup: Nuggets v Supersonics
Key Stats:
- Record: 55-27 v 39-43
- PPG: 109.9 v 105.5
- PPGA: 104.7 v 107.4
- Adjusted FG%: 52.9% v 51.7%
- Season Series: Nuggets up 3-1
After starting the season 5-10, the Nuggets went 50-17. That is a 74.6 winning percentage. That would be the second best in the league for the season. The Nuggets are the best team in the west, and probably the second best team in the league. I don't see anyway a Blake Griffin less supersonics has any chance at competing in this series. Nuggets in 5.
