Miami to crush Milwaukee in the opening round

20Apr 2013

NBA

The playoffs are here and Nick Shiambouros takes a look at the first round action in the Eastern Conference...

No 1 Miami Heat vs No 8 Milwaukee Bucks

The Miami Heat finished the season with the best record in the league at 66-16. This year the Heat have towered over their opponents and at times have looked invincible.

The duo of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have been in spectacular form and have been supported by a strong rotation throughout the year. I believe this is a better team than last year's - and that spells trouble for the opposition. I think they are underpriced at 1.77 to win the championship.

The Bucks finished the year with a losing record of 37-45. They appear to be hopelessly overmatched. Brandon Jennings and company will do well to take a game from Miami.

Prediction: Miami Heat 4-0

No 2 New York Knicks vs No 7 Boston Celtics

This is by far the most interesting series in the conference.

The Knicks finished the season with a record of 54-28. Superstar guard Carmelo Anthony won the scoring title with an average of 28.7 points per game.

New York have played some outstanding basketball this season but have looked vulnerable at times. Boston will try to contain Carmelo Anthony with Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee. This strategy has had some success in the past and will be fascinating to watch.

The Celtics lost point-guard Rajon Rondo for the season due to injury earlier this year. They will have to get it done without him, but I believe they can. Boston matches up well against New York in size and have two great competitors in Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

Prediction: Boston Celtics 4-3

No 3 Indiana Pacers vs No 6 Atlanta Hawks

This series promises to be a real grind. The Pacers have an outstanding defence led by Paul George who is equally effective on either end of the floor. Center Roy Hibbert should have his fair share of rebounds and matches up well against Al Horford from the Hawks.

Atlanta can shoot the ball well with Kyle Kover, DeShawn Stephenson and rookie John Jenkins. The Hawks are capable of scoring heavily around the perimeter, which could hurt the low-scoring Pacers.

This may not be the most fashionable of series, but it promises to be a compelling one. I favour Indiana in this one, but it may take seven games to get it done.

Prediction: Indiana Pacers 4-3

No 4 Brooklyn Nets vs No 5 Chicago Bulls

The Nets won 49 games in their first year in Brooklyn. Point guard Deron Williams has had a superb season and will be a major factor in this series.

Power forward Reggie Evans is a very physical player and will grab his fair share of rebounds. Evans is not a scoring threat, but he is incredibly strong inside the painted area.

Chicago won 45 games this year without superstar Derrick Rose. Their star man was expected to return for the post-season, but it is becoming increasingly likely that he will not return until next year.

Even without Rose in the line-up, I think Chicago will prevail in this intriguing series. They have the size and strength to outlast Brooklyn and should prevail in six games.

Prediction: Chicago Bulls 4-2

Recommended Bets Saturday

Back 3pts Miami Heat to win NBA Championship 1.77

Back 2pts Miami Heat to beat Milwaukee Bucks 4-0 Series Score 1.73

Back 2pts Chicago Bulls to beat Brooklyn Nets Series Winner 2.22