NBA 2011 Playoffs Predictions: 8 teams that carry fewer chances to make it to the second-round (Part 1)
The business end of the season has finally arrived and only 16 teams are left in the race to the land the Larry O’ Brian trophy. Among those teams, there are the big boys like Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat
and then there are teams who have barely scratched their way in.
However, post season is a strange stretch. Time and again, we have witnessed elite teams being knocked by the minnows in the playoffs and we can bet that this post season will be no different. But, based on the seeding and the
recent forms, let’s find out which eight teams have the least chance to make it into the Conference Semi-finals.
Chicago Bulls versus Indiana Pacers
The No. 1 team of the Eastern Conference, Chicago Bulls will take on the eighth seeded Indiana Pacers in their first-round matchups. The Bulls had the best win percentage (0.756) during the season among both Conferences. This fact
makes it really tough for the Pacers to stand in their way, especially in the absence of high-quality players. According to most of the analysts, there is a major probability that the Bulls might easily sweep the series.
The only thing that can provide audience some entertainment would be return to form of Indiana’s small forward Danny Granger. However, the Bulls have the resources and the depth to counter any challenge thrown at them – they have
proven it all season long. Therefore, at this point, it is safe to say that the Bulls will romp into the second round.
Miami Heat versus Philadelphia 76cers
In the second matchup of the East, the potent Miami Heat will take on the Philadelphia 76cers. Although the No. 2 ranked Heat are the downright favourites in this contention, but the seventh seeded Sixers are one of the teams that
can give a wind of distress and also can provide some highlight-reel moments. So the Heat shouldn’t feel complacent against them.
However, the Sixers have got no advantage over the Heat. They lack in almost every department of game against the gigantic Miami. Veteran power forward Udonis Haslem is also ready to make a comeback in the Heat line-up that already
had stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The presence of these players almost guarantees the victory. The Sixers are not a bad team; any person who knows about the game will admit that. This time around though, they have just got the wrong
challenger.
Orlando Magic versus Atlanta Hawks
The 4th seeded Orlando Magic will face the 5th seeded Atlanta Hawks in their first-round. This is an equally balanced matchup and anything can happen when these two are playing against each other. Both teams
have had an inconsistent graph in the regular season. However this is playoff and they will look not to repeat same regular-season mistakes again.
Magic’s trip to the playoffs has been marred by some inconsistent performances and few injuries as well. The February trade was the biggest bump in their drive to the playoffs. That trade completely changed the face of their team.
Despite all that, the Magic were able to get themselves together and made it to the fourth spot in the Conference. Statistically speaking the Magic are ahead of the Hawks when it comes to winning percentage, home or away, but Atlanta have beaten them thrice
in their last four meetings.
However, the Hawks have a habit of choking in the postseason. On the other hand, the Magic have got good squad all they need to do is piece it all together and they can pull it off.
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