That time that players and fans alike salivate for all year is finally here. After 80-plus games, and plenty of high jinks and untold drama, the league is gearing up for the 2013 NBA Playoffs. Given the stakes and intensity involved, it often feels like a whole different season rears up its head come playoff time. A season 2.0, if you will.
To help you navigate through the first-round scenarios, SJN will be breaking down all of the matchups for you―offering lineups, schedules, and predictions.
Eastern Conference:
Atlanta Hawks (6) vs. Indiana Pacers (3)
Schedule:
Game 1 – Sun April 21, Atlanta at Indiana, 1 p.m., TNT
Game 2 – Wed April 24, Atlanta at Indiana, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 – Sat April 27, Indiana at Atlanta, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 – Mon April 29, Indiana at Atlanta, TBD, TBD
Game 5 – Wed May 1, Atlanta at Indiana, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
Game 6 – Fri May 3, Indiana at Atlanta, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
Game 7 – Sun May 5, Atlanta at Indiana, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
Both teams play extremely well in the 3rd quarter, and seemed to have purposely played subpar basketball at the end of the season to acquire their first-round rankings. Whoever gets past this round gets to avoid Miami in the next, which seems a prize as sweet as a trophy in this era.
The Atlanta Hawks are in a rebuilding phase, so making it this far, even in a underachieving conference, should feel like reward enough. They’ve given the Pacers enough trouble over the course of the last few years, but lost twice to Indy during this year’s events. That recent success shall continue for Indiana in this year’s postseason duel.
When you realize that Josh Smith is shooting a head-scratching 45 percent of his shots from outside the paint, it seems impossible for Atlanta to nab more than one win in this series. If the ATL is going to expect any sort of success it’s going to fall on the shoulders of Al Horford, Devin Harris and Kyle Korver. Al has been very consistent against Indiana and should get a high volume of touches if they expect to make a dent on the Indy defense. Against Indiana he’s only posted 16.0 PPG but has shot for 58.8 %. If he’s given more shots at the basket, he can be an offensive anchor for Atlanta.
Harris helps out Atlanta tremendously considering they’ve gone 17-2 when he plays more than 28 minutes. If that will happen in the playoffs will have to be determined and doubtful.
With Paul George playing exceptional two-way ball and Roy Hibbert manning the middle, the Pacers should breeze by the opening round. Round 2 will be where things get tough for them.
Outcome:
Indiana Pacers 4-1 Atlanta Hawks
