Sports Cipher

Potential Playoff Match-ups That Won’t Disappoint

The NBA regular season ends next week on April 26 and the playoffs begin April 29. With a week left to in the season the playoff seeding is not set in stone. There is a lot of movement that can happen, which will affect the first round match-ups. Here are the ideal match-ups I think we should see in the first round.

Memphis Grizzles vs L.A. Clippers

The Grizzles are back to their 2011 form, now that Zach Randolph has got back into the groove of things. Memphis has won 9 of their last 12 games. Chris Paul the Clippers have been on a similar roll ever since their bad stretch in March. The Clippers  have won 13 of their last 16 games. Having these two teams face each other in the first round will be a must see. Both teams as of now are set to face each other with the current standings. Making this series very likley.

Player Match Up to Watch

Seeing Blake Griffin matched up against Zach Randolph will be interesting. Zach Randolph is arguably the best power forward in the league. Blake in only his second year playing, some have put him in that argument.We already know what Zach Randolph can do in the postseason, he averaged 22.2 pts and 10.8 rebounds. Then we will see if Blake can raise his game to the next level, and how he will respond to physical play in his first playoff appearance.

Who Wins

The Clippers win in 6. I see Chris Paul willing his team to victory. Chris Paul has been the best point guard in the NBA this year. I don’t see him allowing them to make a first round exit.

NY Knicks vs Indiana Pacers

This match-up is less likely than that of Grizzles vs Clippers. The Knicks could move up to the sixth seed to face the three seed Pacers. With four games left in the season the Knicks would have to win at least 3, and the Magic would have to lose all their remaining games. The possibility for the Knicks to move up is possible so I’ll talk about this potential match-up.

The last time the Knicks and Pacers played, New York blew a fourth quarter lead to lose to Indiana. These teams are evenly matched in my opinion. They have both been peaking at the right time. Knicks winning 15 of their last 20 games and Pacers 16 of their last 20 games. Two teams that are finishing their season strong is a precursor to a great series.

Player Match-Up to Watch

I actually think there will be two to watch. At the center position between Tyson Chandler and Roy Hibbert, and at small forward Carmelo Anthony and Danny Granger. The edge goes to Anthony and Granger.Despite Carmelo playing the power forward position, with the return of Stoudmire, I anticipate him move back to the three spot. Carmelo has played like a top five player as of late averaging 30.9 points in the last 10 games. Granger will have a tough time guarding Anthony. He will need to also stay at of foul trouble since the Pacers don’t have a legitimate three coming off the bench.

Who Wins

The Knicks can win in 6 or 7. They have won the season series beating the Pacers 2 out 3. With Carmelo playing the way he has been I don’t see anyone on the Pacers stoping him.